Opinion: South West editor Jemillah Dawson on 2018 in the Busselton region

This year started on a positive note with city’s first same sex marriage occurring when Shelley Lee and Jules Jones tied the knot on January 20.

There was the possibility of a wakeboard park to be located off Wildwood Road which divided people in the area.

Many were excited about the possibility of something else to do with their family, while others thought it would be a great tourism attraction which would boost the economy. However, it was not meant to be as the location and size of the proposal caused concern and City of Busselton council voted down the development.

The Butter Factory’s celebration of 100 years unfortunately did not last long when a fire damaged most of the building two weeks later. It was terrible to see history go up in flames. 

This year was when the former Barnett Government promised the new Busselton Margaret River Airport terminal would be open and flying people interstate.

However, a change in government and a large debt has thrown a massive curve ball at the project.

It has been hard to know if the current government fully supports the project as, ironically, politics has clouded the issue.

A finished terminal provides so many possibilities for the region which I hope becomes realised in 2019.

Some troubling news came out of the education this year with a video which showed a teenager violently assaulting another student in Busselton. What it also uncovered was how prevalent violence against teachers and school staff are in the region and state. The news also showed the lack of investment and services for Busselton’s youth. How the region responds to this is critical as it will shape the future of the region as the youth become adults. 

After much debate the City of Busselton council approved the Eastern Link proposal as a solution for the traffic congestion coming into the CBD. It was really important for the city to get this decision right as there are environmental and economic factors at play.

What is clear from the events of this year is the region is still a great place to live and visit and the community continues to be passionate about its progression. As long as the region continues to promote its strengths, it will continue to prosper.