First Meeting of the Wide Bay Burnett Sustainable Regions Advisory Committee

The Wide Bay Burnett Sustainable Region Advisory Committee held its inaugural meeting in Hervey Bay on Monday 22nd April 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 will be examining a number of existing plans and strategies before deciding on funding priorities under the Sustainable Regions Program in the Wide Bay Burnett region.

"Through the Sustainable Regions Program, we can tackle our most pressing issues head on. Under the program, we will focus on structural adjustment and building on the region's substantial efforts to date to create a sustainable, strong future," 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.

An Executive Officer will be appointed prior to the next meeting to provide support for the Committee and to assist in attracting joint funding for sound project proposals.

The Committee reports to and provides recommendations on proposals to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, John Anderson.

Regular meetings of the Committee will take place across the region to ensure each area's unique issues are highlighted.

The next meeting is scheduled for Bundaberg on 4 July 2002.

Attached is a copy of the committee membership.

Media Contacts:

WIDE BAY BURNETT SUSTAINABLE REGION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

· Ms Diana Collins (Director of Community Partnering and Maryborough College, Wide Bay Institute of TAFE, Maryborough (CHAIR)

· Mr Stephen Dixon (Solicitor and Chairman of the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce)

· Mr Robin Grundon (General Manager, Bundaberg Newspaper Company)
·
· Ms Dot Hamilton (Grazier and retired Eidsvold councillor).

· Mr Howard Leisemann (Kewpie Group of Companies - Manager Corporate Services, Kingaroy)

· Mr John Metelli (Motelier, Gin Gin)

· Cr Ted Sorensen (Farmer and Mayor of Hervey Bay)

· Cr Bill Trevor (Wide Bay Burnett Area Consultative Committee Chair and Mayor of Isis Shire Council)