GUEST SPEAKER:
Mark Holdsworth is the Director/Executive Officer of Regional Development Australia (Midwest/Gascoyne).RDA is a national network of committees made up of local leaders who work with all levels of government, business and community groups, to support the economic development of the region. There are 52 offices across Australia. The focus of RDA is on regional growth, leadership and providing regional information and data to the Federal Govt.
In the Midwest it has a 9 member Board and services 20 communities from Coorow to Gascoyne Junction. There is a concern over the depopulation of regional areas. A major focus is on the Regional Road Funding Strategy, a $200 million project leading to investment in the tourism and mining industries.
There is an urgent need for skilled labour which is being addressed by the Designated Area Migration arrangement. This scheme is aimed to attract 200 people over 5 years. To enable stability, there is a 5 year bond between employer and employee.
There is a Murchison Geo-tourism project around Walter Rock waiting recognition from UNESCO.
The RDA website contains a Grant section which advises 98% of all available grants across Australia.
Questions from Karen Godfrey, Don Rolston and Laurie Dines sought clarity on the Designated Area Migration arrangement.
A vote of thanks was delivered by Terry Stewart.