ATSRAC Gearing Up for Better Future for Atherton Tablelands

Strong interest in the Atherton Tablelands Sustainable Region Program is apparent with 29 expressions of interest and applications put forward for consideration by the Advisory Committee (ATSRAC) at their meeting in Ravenshoe on Friday, 31^st May.

The Commonwealth Government's $100 million Sustainable Regions program is part of the Stronger Regions initiative announced by the Deputy Prime Minister, John Anderson, late last year. Up to $18 million has been allocated to the Atherton Tablelands for the development of projects that enhance the economic, social, cultural and environmental position of the region.

"The Federal Government has already approved nearly $350,000 for Golden Circle's sweet corn trials, which could lead to the development of a sweet corn processing facility for the region if the trials are successful," said the Chair of ATSRAC, Peter McDade.

One of the objectives of the Sustainable Regions Program is to encourage strategic approaches to regional development and establish partnerships that foster the development of self-reliant regions.

"At this meeting the Advisory Committee agreed to pursue a more strategic approach towards industry and infrastructure development in the region and will develop a strategy to achieve this," Mr McDade said. "This will provide an opportunity for a range of industry and infrastructure development initiatives to be considered and provide a platform for ATSRAC to pursue a greater range of funding soures to support these developments."

ATSRAC is also developing a "Partnerships for Prosperity" project to engage the Atherton Tablelands community in deciding the priorities and direction for ongoing development of the region. A key focus of the "Partnerships for Prosperity" project is to involve the Atherton Tablelands community in undertaking their own planning for the sustainable future of the region.

"ATSRAC is keen to develop a strong and effective network of key community/industry leaders and stakeholders who are committed to working together to build a stronger indetity for the Atherton Tablelands region," said Mr McDade.

ATSRAC will be working in partnership with the Atherton Neighbourhood Centre in delivering the program to develop skills and access to resources and to establish supportive and productive partnerships. Further development of the program will be undertaken in the next month with key involvement and input from the four shire mayors who are also members of the Advisory Committee.

The next scheduled meeting of ATSRAC is 26^th July with Closing date for lodgement of Expressions of Interest being 5^th July.

Further Information:

Yvonne Tunney - 0418 747 193