New Regional Development Policy Website launched

11/11/98

Western Australians have an unprecedented opportunity to participate in the preparation of a State Government Regional Development Policy through the Internet, Regional Development Minister Hendy Cowan said today.

Mr Cowan was launching the new Regional Development Policy Website at www.wa.gov.au/regional/policy.

He said the site was only one element of a consultation process which would ensure the policy was effective and appropriate to the regional residents and industries it was designed to serve.

Comprehensive 'hard copy' documents containing information about the policy process, as well as feedback forms, were also now available from the regional development division of the Department of Commerce and Trade.

"The new regional development policy will help focus Government activities to maximise wealth generation and job creation in regional areas, improve services available to regional residents and foster partnerships between the regional community and Government," Mr Cowan said.

"Through the Website, interested people will be able to monitor every stage of policy development and contribute their views.

"People who don't have their own Internet connection will be able to access the site through the State-wide network of Telecentres."

Mr Cowan said the site currently contained an overview of the policy process and objectives, background information on the Government's present regional activities and trends in overseas regional development strategies.

He said the site had facilities for interested people to make comments.

"Of course, people are most welcome to contribute their ideas by traditional means of correspondence," he added.

Mr Cowan said the Regional Development Policy process was co-ordinated by the Department of Commerce and Trade on behalf of the Regional Development Council and overseen by a steering committee made up of representatives of key Government agencies, local government, regional industry and the community.

The Minister said the department was conducting policy development meetings in the regions, hosted by the Regional Development Commissions, and was advertising the website widely to encourage community involvement.

More information is available from the regional development division of the Department of Commerce and Trade on 9327 5666 or Freecall for country callers 1800 628 767.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222 9595