The establishment of a special Kimberley Development Commission marks the start of a new era of economic development and prosperity in the region, North West Minister Ernie Bridge said in Derby today.
The Kimberley Development Commission is one of four new bodies to be established in Western Australia under plans announced today by Premier Carmen Lawrence.
Mr Bridge said key local people representing industry and the community would be appointed to the commission's board to set and determine the policy direction of the commission. Staff would come from the Department of State Development and other relevant Government agencies.
"The Kimberley is one of the fastest growing regions in WA, built on a rock-solid foundation of agriculture, horticulture, mining, pastoral, pearling and tourism activities," he said.
"The formation of a Kimberley Development Commission gives formal recognition that the region is a unique part of WA which needs to be managed and developed with maximum input from local residents.
"With so many exciting things happening in the Kimberley, our biggest difficulty has been the lack of a central focus to co-ordinate plans and strategies for the region.
"The Kimberley Development Commission will provide that focus while ensuring that decisions and initiatives truly represent the aspirations of local people who know best what the Kimberley is capable of."
Mr Bridge said the commission would operate from three centres - Kununurra, Broome and Derby - to ensure maximum representation and access.
The new community-driven structure would replace existing Department of State Development offices in Kununurra and Derby.
The commission's primary role would be to promote economic and social development, market and promote the region, and oversee implementation of the Kimberley Regional Planning Study recommendations.
The commission would seek to update and finalise the planning study, the draft of which had already identified key directions and strategies to be followed.
These touched on all sectors, including mining, pastoral, agriculture/horticulture, tourism, fishing, commerce, Aboriginal economic development, defence, and education, employment and training.
Special purpose advisory groups would be formed as required to provide specialist local advice to the board. Commission staff would be responsible for formulating regional strategies in particular key areas.
Expressions of interest to participate on the board can be forwarded over the next two months to the Minister for the North-West, Forrest Centre, 221 St Georges Terrace, Perth.
