2/9/05
Pilbara Minister Jon Ford today announced the appointment of Port Hedland mayor Stan Martin to chair the Pilbara Development Commission Board.
Mr Ford said he was delighted that Mr Martin had accepted the job.
“Stan Martin has a 30-year track record in the North-West as a businessman and community leader,” the Minister said.
A builder by trade, Mr Martin moved to the Pilbara in 1974, raising two daughters in the town with his wife Stephanie.
He was voted on to the Port Hedland Town Council in 2002 and three months ago his fellow councillors elected him mayor.
Mr Martin said he was now very pleased to accept the position of chair of the Pilbara Development Commission (PDC).
“The region is going through a phase of unprecedented growth and expansion in the mining and resource industries,” he said.
“This creates many challenges in the areas of housing, education, recreation and health services. It is an exciting time of development.
“I see the PDC playing an integral role in meeting the needs of the community, in partnership with the State Government and resource companies.”
Mr Ford said Mr Martin had worked throughout the Pilbara, spending time in remote indigenous communities.
“This has given him an in-depth knowledge of the issues facing the region’s indigenous people,” the Minister said.
“This understanding will be invaluable.
"I congratulate Mr Martin on his appointment and look forward to working with him.”
Mr Ford thanked outgoing chair Erica Smyth for her valuable contribution to the Pilbara Development Commission and service to the region during a challenging period of development and turmoil.
He said the Gallop Government was improving the quality of services to all Western Australians wherever they lived.
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