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The work of the Kimberley Sustainable Regions Advisory Committee moved into the next stage with the announcement of a new Committee member and the appointment of an Executive Officer at a meeting held in Kununurra last month.
Ms Cori Fong, Committee chair welcomed Mr Ian Trust as a member of the Committee and offered "that he will bring a wealth of expertise and experience in indigenous social and economic development, ensuring we address the region's highlighted priorities appropriately."
Mr Antony Harvey has been appointed as Executive Officer. His charter involves assisting the Committee in moving the Kimberley area's local priorities off the drawing board and into action.
The committee, headed by Ms Fong and comprising the Presidents of the Shires of Broome, Halls Creek, Derby West Kimberley, Wyndham East Kimberley and members of the community and business sectors, recently determined the region's key priorities as regional infrastructure, local cooperative projects, indigenous enterprise and economic development, regional marketing and new sustainable industries.
On 4 October 2001, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, John Anderson, announced funding of over $100 million over the next three years under the Sustainable Regions Program. The Kimberley region has been allocated up to $12 million to target pressing economic and social issues, and build a stronger future. The Kimberley Sustainable Region Advisory Committee will seek to ensure that all projects have the ability to develop capacity in the Kimberley region as well as addressing social, economic and environmental factors.
Ms Fong, said Mr Harvey would play a significant role in the future development of the Kimberley region.
"I am delighted with Mr Harvey's appointment and look forward to working with him and the community," said Ms Fong.
Mr Harvey has a background in forging partnerships between Government agencies and the private sector that he brings to the position. Development of fruitful inter-agency and private sector partnerships is a major objective of the Sustainable Regions Program.
Mr Harvey said that he was enthusiastic about being part of the Sustainable Regions Program in the Kimberley, which gives the people in the region the opportunity to create a stronger future for themselves.
Ms Fong said that the Committee would work closely with the local community to ensure that they have a genuine say in determining the future of the region.
The Committee expects to call for initial expressions of interest under the Program by mid June.
Regular meetings of the committee will take place throughout the region to ensure each area's unique issues are considered.
Attached is a copy of the committee membership.
For further information on the Sustainable Regions Program please visit http://www.sustainableregions.gov.au/index.aspx
Media Contacts:
| Kimberley Sustainable Region Advisory Committee - Cori Fong, Chair |
0419 954 722, email: cori@wn.com.au |
| Department of Transport and Regional Services - Kathy Hughes |
(02) 6274 7990, email: kathy.hughes@dotars.gov.au |
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