Gov't committed to helping businesses & families affected by RFA

5/5/99
Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said today the State Government was committed to assisting individuals, businesses and families affected by the outcome of the Regional Forest Agreement.
Mrs Edwardes said that while the RFA achieved the best possible balance between jobs and conservation, she acknowledged that it would mean adjustment for many people.
The Minister said the Government, with the assistance of the South West Development Commission (SWDC), would co-ordinate a support service for those facing adjustment or simply wanting to know how the outcome would affect their family.
"We will be providing on-the-ground support in the form of 'shop front' information centres in the key centres of Nannup, Manjimup, Pemberton and Greenbushes," she said.
"Staff will also be available to provide additional financial counselling services to assist families with financial planning and debt management."
Additional support services include:

• co-ordinating exchange of information on the outcomes of the Regional Forest Agreement;
• assistance to small business with managing change strategies and provision of advice to people contemplating establishment of a business; and -
• co-ordination of job search counselling services.

Mrs Edwardes said the additional support was specifically intended to assist families and small business in the area and would supplement the extensive industry support package which formed part of the RFA.
It is expected that the support service will be fully operational by the end of this week.
For details of funding and business support services available, contact the South West Development Commission on 9792 2000.
A Telstra freecall number 1800 829 999 can be contacted from Friday.
Mrs Edwardes said prior to the establishment of this service, full details of the RFA can be obtained through the RFA Hotline on 9480 5872 or on the websites at www.rfa.gov.au or www.calm.wa.gov.au
Media contact: Nicole Trigwell 9421 7777