Celebrating 25 Years of Regional Collaboration

The Warren Blackwood Alliance of Councils (WBAC) is celebrating 25 years of regional collaboration and advocacy in 2026, marking a significant milestone for one of Western Australia’s longest-standing regional local government partnerships.

 

Formed in 2001 in response to major changes in the timber industry, the WBAC, originally known as the Warren Blackwood Strategic Alliance, brought together local governments across the Warren and Blackwood catchments to advocate for the future of their communities and to work collectively on regional development opportunities.

 

Today, WBAC represents the Shires of Boyup Brook, Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Donnybrook-Balingup, Manjimup and Nannup, working collectively to strengthen the region’s economy, support community resilience and promote the Warren Blackwood region as a thriving place to live, work and visit.  

 

Over the past quarter century, WBAC has played a key role in shaping the future of the region through initiatives including the Warren Blackwood Sub-Regional Growth Plan, the development of the Southern Forests & Valleys tourism brand, regional climate collaboration and strategic projects that support economic diversification, infrastructure planning and community wellbeing.

 

WBAC Chair Cr Vivienne MacCarthy said the 25-year milestone highlights the importance of collaboration in delivering long-term outcomes for regional communities.

 

“For 25 years the Warren Blackwood Alliance of Councils has shown what can be achieved when local governments work together with a shared vision for their communities,” Cr MacCarthy said.

 

“From supporting communities through industry transition to positioning our region as one of Western Australia’s premier food, nature and tourism destinations, the WBAC has provided a strong regional voice for the Warren Blackwood.”

 

Cr MacCarthy said collaboration between the five member Shires has enabled the region to pursue opportunities that would not have been possible individually.

 

“The strength of the Alliance lies in bringing together the unique strengths of each community across our forests, farms, rivers and towns to build a stronger regional future.”

 

Western Australia’s Minister for the South West, Don Punch, acknowledged the milestone during discussions with WBAC representatives.

 

When WBAC Chair Cr MacCarthy shared the Warren Blackwood Sub-Regional Growth Plan with the Minister, he reflected on the origins of the Alliance and noted that he remembered when WBAC was first formed and had followed its progress over the years.

 

The Minister acknowledged the role the Alliance has played in strengthening collaboration between local governments, supporting regional planning and economic development, promoting tourism and ensuring the voices of Warren Blackwood communities are heard at a State level.

 

By representing five local governments across a region of more than 23,000 residents and 15,000 square kilometres, WBAC provides a coordinated voice that strengthens advocacy with State and Federal Government.

 

Looking ahead, WBAC will continue advancing the priorities identified in the Warren Blackwood Sub-Regional Growth Plan, including strengthening tourism and visitor experiences, supporting housing supply and workforce attraction, advancing regional infrastructure priorities and encouraging economic diversification across agriculture, food production and emerging industries.

 

The Alliance will also focus on building resilience to climate and environmental challenges, supporting agriculture and food production, encouraging value-adding industries, and developing recreation and trail networks that enhance both liveability for residents and experiences for visitors.

 

Through these initiatives, WBAC aims to ensure the Warren Blackwood region remains a place of opportunity, innovation and strong community connection for generations to come.