New appointments to Peel Development Commission board

16/7/96

Regional Development Minister Hendy Cowan today announced new appointments to the board of the Peel Development Commission.

Mr Cowan said the commission's board was structured in a way that each year there were positions which expired on June 30.

He said development commission boards consisted of three types of members in equal proportions: community nominees, local government nominees and members appointed at the Minister's discretion.

The positions were advertised widely. The Western Australian Municipal Association was involved in management of the local government nominations.

The latest round of appointments to the Peel Development Commission and their terms are:

·       Mrs Pauline Beamond, of Mandurah (Ministerial - two years). Mrs Beamond was a Mandurah City Councillor for 11 years, serving as deputy mayor from 1993 to 1996. She has been actively involved in a number of local community groups;

·       Cr Margaret Duthie, of Byford (local government - three years). Cr Duthie has been a councillor with the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale since 1988 and has been involved with various community and sporting organisations.

·       Cr Noel Nancarrow, of Pinjarra (Community - three years - reappointment). Cr Nancarrow, a farmer, is Murray Shire president and has been actively involved in the Peel Inlet Management Authority, Murray Joblink and the Peel Employment Advisory Committee; and -

·       Mr Malcolm Flett, of Mandurah (Ministerial - three years - reappointment). Mr Flett is a retired bank manager who has been actively involved with community groups for a number of years.

Mr Owen Tuckey will continue as PDC chair, with Cr Noel Nancarrow as his deputy.

South-West Development Commission chairman Stuart Morgan was appointed chairman of the peak Regional Development Council, which draws membership from all development commissions Statewide and acts as an advisory body to the State Government. Mr Morgan replaces Pilbara's Dick Carter.

Mr Cowan said development commissions played an important role in co-ordinating and promoting economic development in regional WA.

"They have ensured that local communities have the major say in what type of industries are attracted to their area," he said.

"They have helped reverse the trend away from centralised capital city decision making for the regions towards greater local involvement and influence.

"The commissions' aim is to maximise job creation, broaden local economies, identify infrastructure needs, provide information and advice to business and ensure access to Government services."

Media contact: Peter Jackson 222-9595