Funds towards attracting an auto-electrical business to Hyden

8/6/97

The town of Hyden has received a $10,000 boost to its local economy.

The funding will be used to try to attract an auto-electrical business to Hyden to broaden services available in the town and to investigate the viability of establishing a commercial centre.

The funding has been made available through the Department of Commerce and Trade's Small Town Economic Planning (STEP) program.

Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan, who is the local MLA, will present a cheque to the Hyden Progress Association today.

Under the program, similar grants will be made to other communities which have been through a community planning process.

The $10,000 grant will be used on a two-stage project to establish a commercial centre in Hyden. The first stage is to target a business for which there is a need in the community. Local residents will contribute funds to purchase premises and equipment if necessary.

The second stage will explore the viability of establishing a commercial centre. Grant funding will be used for feasibility and market research, site plans, legal procedures, and a business plan.

The Small Town Economic Planning (STEP) program is run throughout the State in towns and shires with a population of fewer than 3,000 people. Planning workshops and social research - with support from the Department of Commerce and Trade - help identify a community's needs and potential ways to meet those needs.

"Hyden has achieved a great deal in a short amount of time," Mr Cowan said today.

"It is one of the most outstanding communities within the STEP program and seems able to achieve most of the goals it has set itself.

"There is little doubt that Hyden will achieve most if not all of what it sets out to do, if past performance is anything to go by."

Hyden has identified more than 40 completed projects, including:

+ the Hyden Resource Centre and Telecentre;

+ a local SES team;

+ upgraded library and sports club facilities;

+ extensions to the Hyden Hotel and young singles home units;

+ a part-time childcare service; and -

+ a wildflower coaches tour.

Businesses that could benefit the community were identified as an auto-electrician, plumber, two-way radio supplier and technician, electrician, landscape gardener and reticulation supply, hairdresser, bakery, laundry, computer supplier, agronomist, yabby marketing outlet, spare parts and machinery dealership, and an accountant.

"The search for an auto-electrician has already begun," Mr Cowan said.

"Progress has already been made in generating private funds to support the auto-electrician business. Seventeen people have contributed to the fund.

"The STEP program grant will help the community along the road to establishing and attracting more businesses in town.

"Small town economic development is about communities identifying and using their human, physical and financial resources to keep their social and economic infrastructure or improve development opportunities and their community's quality of life. It is a valuable process in creating employment, developing economic sustainability at the local level and actively involving people in making decisions about their community."

For further information, ring the STEP Co-ordinator on Freecall 1 800 628 767, or fax (08) 9327 5921, or write to Department of Commerce and Trade, PO Box 7234, Cloisters Square, Perth 6850.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 08-9222 9595