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Building on the Kimberley region's positive efforts to improve their economic and social standing, the Kimberly Sustainable Region Advisory Committee inaugural meeting was held in Derby on Friday 15 February, 2002.
The committee, headed by Cori Fong and comprising the Presidents of the Shires of Broom, Halls Creek, Derby West Kimberley, Wyndham East Kimberley and members of the community and business sectors, discussed the approach the Sustainable Regions Program will take in the region. The committee highlighted initial priorities that will be further refined during a wide consultation process.
Ms Fong said that the region's key priorities included regional infrastructure, local cooperative projects, indigenous enterprise and economic development, regional marketing and new sustainable industry.
"Through the Sustainable Regions Program, we can tackle our most pressing issues head on. Under the program, we will focus on structual adjustment and build on the Kimberley's substancial efforts to date to create a sustainable, strong future.
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:
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Strengthen regional economic and social opportunities;
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Sustain our productive natural resources and environment;
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Deliver better regional services; and
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Help communities adjust to economic, technological and government-induced change.
"Our committee has up to $12 million to allocate to the Kimberley region over the next four years and is totally committed to forming partnerships and seeking joing funding options to grow these funds," said Mrs Rong.
The committee reports to and provides recommendations on proposals to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, John Anderson. A partnership has already been forged between Federal, State and Local governments in relation to the appointment of an Executive Officer.
Regular meetings of the committee will take place over the four local government areas within the region to ensure each area's unique issues are considered.
The next meeting is scheduled for Kununurra on 1 May, 2002.
Members of the Kimberley Sustainable Region Advisory Committee:
| Cori Fong |
Chair KSRAC, local business propietor; and Kimberley Area Consultative Committee Chair |
| Cr Josie Farrer |
Shire President
Shire of Halls Creek |
| Cr Elsia Archer |
Shire President
Shire of Derby / West Kimberley |
| Cr Kevin Fong |
Shire President
Shire of Broome |
| Chris Kloss |
Business/Community representative |
| Ron (Sos) Johnston |
Business/Community representative |
| Jeff Goodling |
Chief Executive Officer
Kimberley Development Commission |
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