Kalgoorlie region's contribution to State's history and economy

8/6/95

The people of the Goldfields have much to be proud of and a great deal to look forward to, according to Deputy Premier and Regional Development Minister Hendy Cowan.

Speaking in Kalgoorlie today, Mr Cowan said the region's contribution to the State's history and economy was substantial but people elsewhere did not necessarily have an accurate view of Goldfields life.

"That is one of the reasons the Government has embraced the concept of 'Celebrate the Regions' - the theme of this year's WA Week festivities," he said.

"One of the main aims of the campaign is to increase awareness and appreciation of the contribution of regional Western Australia to the State economy and to promote the social, lifestyle and business opportunities available in the regions.

"Looking to the future, projects such as the Pilbara-Goldfields gas pipeline and new mining and exploration technology which will allow new mines to be developed will have a positive impact on the economy.

"So too will upgraded rail links with the Eastern States and new interstate air services which should be a fillip for tourism."

Mr Cowan said that more than 160 activities had been organised throughout the State as part of Celebrate the Regions, including several in the Goldfields-Esperance region which had been co-ordinated by the local Development Commission.

The State Government had provided funding for some of the activities.

One of those activities was the 'Proud to be Goldfields' campaign - an initiative of the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission - which was officially launched by Mr Cowan in Kalgoorlie today.

He said that while it was unlikely that Goldfields people needed much encouragement to be proud of their region or the achievements of past generations, it was now probably a good idea to tell others.

"The Goldfields has a lifestyle all its own," Mr Cowan said.

"However, many people from outside the region are unaware that this is a modern, energetic, lively community where the average age is 27 and where much of the population has its origins interstate or in other countries, and where the emphasis is on getting things done and doing things well.

"The Development Commission is using Celebrate the Regions as a launching pad for a campaign to tell the rest of Australia what this region is all about."

While in Kalgoorlie, Mr Cowan also launched a new booklet entitled 'Celebrate Hannan Street'.

The self-guided walk booklet informs visitors and residents of points of interest and highlights significant buildings and landmarks.  It was produced jointly by the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Tourist Centre and the Historical Society.

Mr Cowan said Hannan Street had figured prominently in the State's history with many famous people having walked along it.

"And the amazing thing is that many of the streets and the buildings they saw in the past are still here for us to enjoy today," he said.

Earlier, in Boulder, Mr Cowan visited the Chocolate Palace, a new business located in a restored Burt Street building.  He presented Jeanne and Edward Meyers with a Heritage Award from the Boulder Promotion and Development Association for their work in restoring the former telegraph building.

He also presented a $20,000 cheque to the association, representing continued funding for the Boulder mainstreet project.

Media contact:  Peter Jackson 222 9595