Cranbrook defies doomsday report

The tiny Great Southern town of Cranbrook is bucking the trend of a doomsday report released last year which forecast the town would die by 2050.

In the 12 months since the Federal Government report identified Cranbrook as the most vulnerable town in WA, the Shire and residents have been determined to prove the doubters wrong — and are succeeding.

Petrol is returning to the town and wine is bringing a renewed influx of visitors to the area.

It is a significant change in fortunes, after the town’s only fuel outlet and IGA supermarket closed not long after the Government report was released.

Mt Barker Co-operative has brought the Cranbrook fuel station and plans to supply the town with fuel again soon.

The Great Southern wine route has attracted more visitors to the award-winning Frankland River wine region. Shire of Cranbrook chief executive Peter Northover said the new wine route was unveiled late last month and the town had been noticeably busier since.

“The Shire has been re-signing and sealing roads along wine routes for 12 months, which has enabled tourists to comfortably travel around the area,” he said.

The new wine route was a collaborative effort between Cranbrook, Donnybrook-Boyanup, Boyup Brook and Plantagenet shires.

It coincided with last week’s release of the 2013 West Australian Wine Guide which put Cranbrook wineries Alkoomi, Trevelen and Frankland Estate among the country’s best wine producers.

According to Trevelen Wines owner John Sprigg, the region had taken on a new lease life.

“Naysayers have no place, the town won’t die, we won’t let it,” he said.

“Of course things (have) changed for Cranbrook but we need to grow with the positives, for example Cranbrook shire wines are now sold all over the world.”

Mr Northover said the purchase of the fuel station would make the town more attractive to passers-by.

“Cranbrook is becoming more accessible for tourists, we will be implementing further changes to infrastructure to ensure the town lives on past 2050,” he said.