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The Wide Bay Burnett Sustainable Region Advisory Committee held its second meeting, this time in Bundaberg, on Thursday 4 July 2002, to build on the region's positive efforts to improve its economic and social standing.
The Committee, headed by Ms Diana Collins and comprising the Mayors of Hervey Bay and Isis Shire and members of the community and business sectors, discussed the approach the Sustainable Regions program might take in the region.
The Committee examined a number of existing plans and strategies before initial consideration of a number of possible priorities for funding under the Sustainable Regions program in the Wide Bay Burnett region. The Committee will reconvene in August to determine the priorities.
'There is Federal funding under the Sustainable Regions Program available to help bring about a strong, balanced future for the Wide Bay Burnett region. We want to see it used wisely to contribute to sustainable place to live, work and play', Ms Collins said.
'An Executive Officer has recently been appointed to provide support for the Committee and to assist in attracting joint funding for sound project proposals.
Many people will probably know him already through his past role as the Wide Bay Regional Manager, Regional Communities, with the Queensland Department of Premier and Cabinet. His name is Steve Waddell and he started with us on 22 July. Steve brings a wealth of very valuable experience, connections and ideas to the job.
'Once the committee works out its priorities, we will be inviting community groups, local government and private to submit Expressions of Interest for funding under the Sustainable Regions Program. People will be asked to contact Steve to talk about their possible projects and to get the forms. He is co-located with the Wide Bay Burnett Area Consultative Committee in Maryborough and can be contacted on 4122 1722 or 0407 620 506.
'The EoI's will be discussed by the Committee and then selected applicants will be asked to fully develop their proposals. We will then consider the applications and make recommendations to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, John Anderson, for his decision,' Ms Collins said.
The Sustainable Regions Program is the centrepiece of the Federal Government's $115 million Stronger Regions, A Stronger Australia package released last year which aims to:
- Strengthen regional economic and social opportunities;
- Sustain our productive natural resources and environment;
- Deliver better regional services; and
- Help communities adjust to economic, technological and government induced change.
"The committee is totally committed to forming partnerships and seeking joint funding options to grow these funds," said Ms Collins.
The Committee is intending to meet regularly in different locations across the region to ensure each area's unique issues are highlighted.
The next meeting is scheduled for Childers on 8 August 2002.
Media contacts:
Wide Bay Burnett Sustainable Region Advisory
Committee Diana Collins (07) 41202501
Mr Anderson's office Bill McKinley (02) 6277 7680
WIDE BAY BURNETT SUSTAINABLE REGION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
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Ms Diana Collins (Director of Community Partnering and Maryborough College, Wide Bay Institute of TAFE, Maryborough (CHAIR)
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Mr Stephen Dixon (Solicitor and Chairman of the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce)
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Mr Robin Grundon (General Manager, Bundaberg Newspaper Company)
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Ms Dot Hamilton (Grazier and retired Eidsvold councillor).
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Mr Howard Leisemann (Kewpie Group of Companies - Manager Corporate Services, Kingaroy)
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Mr John Metelli (Motelier, Gin Gin)
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Cr Ted Sorensen (Farmer and Mayor of Hervey Bay)
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Cr Bill Trevor (Wide Bay Burnett Area Consultative Committee Chair and Mayor of Isis Shire Council)
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