Regional Development Minister Terry Redman today announced the appointment of Paul Whyte to the position of Acting Director General at the Department of Regional Development (DRD).
Mr Redman said Mr Whyte had extensive experience in the area of land development and business operations, and understood the needs of regional Western Australia through his current role as general manager of commercial and business operations at the Department of Housing.
Mr Whyte was previously the acting chief executive officer at Landgate in 2009 and has also held senior roles with the Valuer General's Office and the Department of Land Information.
"In his current role with the Department of Housing, Paul has led a series of significant projects including delivering the National Partnership Agreement on housing for remote Aboriginal communities in 2012, and overseeing the delivery of a $355million Housing for Workers strategy in regional WA," the Minister said.
"I am confident Paul will help drive the State's regional development priorities into the future."
Mr Redman acknowledged the outstanding contribution of outgoing Director General Paul Rosair, who has been in the role since late 2008, and wished him the best for his future.
"Paul has provided valuable advice and leadership in the establishment and ongoing administration of the State Government's Royalties for Regions program, and managed a diverse range of projects in the regional development and lands portfolio," he said.
"I would like to thank him for his contribution to the Royalties for Regions program and his oversight of major initiatives including the Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project, Pilbara Cities, SuperTowns and the Regional Mobile Communications Project, which will leave an enduring legacy in regional WA."
Mr Rosair's last day with DRD will be July 1, 2014. Mr Whyte will begin in the role as Acting Director General on August 18, with current department executive director policy and planning Michael Rowe acting in the role in the interim.
Fact File
DRD oversees the Royalties for Regions program, which will invest $1billion into regional WA in 2014-15
Since it began in 2008, Royalties for Regions has allocated $4.2billion to more than 3,500 projects across regional WA
Minister's office - 6552 6700
