North-West Minister and Member for the Kimberley Ernie Bridge has urged the incoming Government to continue with the recently formed Kimberley Development Commission.
"Selection of the board members was a difficult task, with close to 40 applications received. However, this gave me a great range of highly skilled people to choose from, from both within the Kimberley and outside the region," Mr Bridge said.
In recognising statements by the inaugural chairman of the Commission, Mrs Susan Bradley, Mr Bridge said a broad and representative board had been chosen and the Kimberley would be well served in the exciting developments which would grow in the very near future, to add to those already prospering.
"The process of forming the Kimberley Development Commission extended over several months and led to its formal creation on January 1, 1993," he said.
"I have always been a strong advocate of local decision-making, and the new Commission gives Kimberley people that opportunity."
Mr Bridge said public expressions of support for the new Commission had come from the Shire presidents of Broome and Derby/West Kimberley.
"Board members were appointed for their commitment to the region and their broad range of skills, and they fairly represent all parts of the region. I understand they will all very capably work with the new Government," he said.
"I am comfortable with those selections and confident that the members of the board will be able to deliver results.
"I strongly hold the view that the development of the Kimberley is above politics.
"I wish the chairman and members of the new board every success in the challenging tasks that lie ahead of them."
