John Bowler

John Bowler

Former Minister for Local Government; Employment Protection; Racing and Gaming; Goldfields-Esperance and Great Southern

    Funding to alleviate isolation in Roebourne

    15/06/2005 12:00 AM
     
    15/6/05

    The Pilbara community of Roebourne will be home to a new Communication and Collaboration Centre following the signing of an agreement today, committing $150,000 to the project under the Regional Collocation Scheme.

    In Roebourne as part of a regional visit, Local Government and Regional Development Minister John Bowler today signed the funding agreement as part of a $7.3million State Government commitment to assist with the development of multi-functional outlets in remote communities.

    “The regional communication and collaboration centre will alleviate some of the isolation in Roebourne by providing real opportunities for locals to access services,” Mr Bowler said.

    The project involves the refurbishment of four existing buildings owned by the Roebourne Telecentre.

    “Two buildings will be developed to accommodate the activities of the telecentre, meeting rooms, videoconference facilities and office space for visiting professionals,” the Minister said.

    “The third building will accommodate the community radio and recording studio, and the fourth will house an on-site caretaker.”

    Mr Bowler said the provision of an operational telecentre in Roebourne was long overdue and that the funding would increase access to quality government and community services and the associated infrastructure.

    “The community does not have sufficient infrastructure to support the development of local community services, so the centre will be a positive for the whole community,” he said.

    “It continues the Gallop Government’s commitment to improving the quality of services to all Western Australians, wherever they live.”

    The centre will offer opportunities for education and training, community economic development, cultural preservation and development, and complements developments planned under the State Government’s Roebourne Enhancement Scheme.

    Further information about the Regional Collocation Scheme is available from the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on 9217 1500, Freecall 1800 620 511 (country only) or http://www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au

    Minister's office:: 9213 6500