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Media Release
18 August 2008
Pilbara learns from Queensland experience
In line with commitments made following the successful Riding the Boom Conference in Karratha in May, representatives from the Pilbara Regional Development Australia Committee (PRDAC) have taken up offers made by interstate speakers to undertake a fact finding mission to Queensland.
A number of initiatives up and down the Queensland coast were visited to learn more about public private partnerships and development models.
“These initiatives provided us with concrete examples of what can be achieved with a clear plan and vision far wider and deeper than any one individual group’s involvement,” said Allen Cooper, Acting Chair of the Pilbara Area Consultative Committee.
“The trip emphasised the importance of partnerships, factual information and support from all levels of government and parties involved. We see this as the key in what can be long and complex development projects.
“The message was that we need to champion our Pilbara vision and educate the public of the possibilities that can become reality to ensure success.”
The travelling group, which also included Pilbara ACC Acting Deputy Chair Gloria Jacob and Pilbara Regional Council member Nicole Lockwood, toured a residential/commercial development at Springfield Lakes between Brisbane and Ipswich, a marine industry development known as the Coorama Industrial Hub and the Varsity Lakes development which was themed around higher education.
The visit also included meetings with two Riding the Boom speakers, Tony Chadwick, Chairman of the Logan Office of Economic Development and Director of the Australian Green Development Forum and Tom Senti, Chief Executive Officer of the Tweed Economic Development Corporation.
Mr Cooper said they had come away with a renewed determination to move forward with solutions for the Pilbara.
“It is clear that we need to be present Government with solutions not problems,” Mr Cooper said.
“We need to work to our strengths in the Pilbara and determine what our ‘signature’ should be and what we want to be known for. We then need to create a business case for attracting those types of businesses and organisations to the Pilbara to further diversity our social fabric.”
Mr Cooper said the Pilbara Regional Development Australia Committee (PRDAC) would talk to Minister Ford about establishing a Land Development Authority for the region.
“The land development authority would encourage joint venture arrangements with private enterprise as well as work to attract non Governmental development funds,” he said.
“PRDAC would be the conduit for creating such partnerships and opportunities using our network of contacts.” |
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