Mandurah has recorded the highest unemployment rate in the nation, according to the latest CommSec data released this week.
The figures revealed the jobless rate skyrocketed to 18 per cent in July 2020, up from 6.9 per cent in February.
The increase has been attributed to the large number of job losses in the region due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
City of Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams is now urging the State and Federal Government to get behind Council’s Transform Mandurah revitalisation agenda to create long term jobs in the region.
“The reality is, COVID-19 has just stoked a fire that was already burning. Our unemployment rate has traditionally been high and our economy has always been fragile, and we need the commitment of our state and federal governments, for this to change,” Mayor Williams said.
“A higher percentage of people in Mandurah than any other community in Australia right now are faced with the uncertain and scary reality of not knowing when their next paycheck will be coming in.
“This needs to be taken seriously. We know that beyond the financial hardship, unemployment also induces heightened risk of mental health and other health and social issues that really affect peoples lives."
The Transform Mandurah agenda includes:
- - New water science industry and education pathways, anchored by the Australian Waterways Centre of Excellence
- - Significant City Centre redevelopment, including the relocation of a government agency and creation of lively new Civic Square
- - Creation of a new tourism and convention centre precinct
- - World-class Yalgorup National Park eco-tourism.
“Council’s Transform Mandurah agenda is an ambitious 10-year plan, that will involve significant government buy-in from all levels, but will be a game changer for Mandurah," Mayor Williams said.
“We need to diversify our economy so we’re not reliant on just hospitality, tourism, retail and construction; we need quality jobs; we need to attract investment; and, we need new education pathways for our young people.
“We have a plan, now we need help to make it a reality.”
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