New vision for the Peel region unveiled

27/8/02
An innovative new plan is being developed to ensure the sustainable future of the Peel region.
The Peel Sustainable Development Plan 2020 will build upon previous efforts undertaken within the region. It will provide a framework for the Government, community and local industry to identify issues and priorities in the region, and develop a strategic plan that effectively addresses these issues.
Announcing the release of an issues paper that outlines the plan, Minister for Peel Jim McGinty said the focus was on providing a workable agenda that would deliver enormous benefits to the region.
"The idea is to achieve a collaboration of community, industry and Government aims for the Peel region, making participation by all stakeholders essential," Mr McGinty said.
"The Peel region has been recognised as the fastest growing region in Western Australia with a population of more than 75,000 people. It is a central link between the metropolitan and southern regions of the State, making it crucial in the economic growth of the southern corridor of the State."
Focus group research undertaken in Mandurah earlier year confirms the need for greater attention towards providing real solutions to issues in the region.
"Participants in the focus groups indicated that a lack of economic, educational and recreational opportunity, particularly for young people, needed to be addressed by the State Government," Mr McGinty said.
The Minister said he believed the plan would turn the negative tide of change in the region, towards a more positive sustainable future in 2020.
"I have asked the member for Mandurah, David Templeman, to chair the regional steering committee of the Peel Sustainable Development Plan, with the Peel Development Commission offering administrative support," he said.
"Representatives from the Peel Economic Development Unit, Peel Community Development Group, Peel Harvey Catchment Council, and Government and non-Government agencies in the region have also been invited on to the steering committee."
Several working groups and key stakeholders have already met to further develop the plan, which will then go out for a five-week public comment period.
"These economic, social and environmental working groups will provide detailed input into the development of a draft before completion of the final document," Mr McGinty said.
"The plan will embrace the triple bottom line approach and identify regional objectives, strategies and priorities. It will nominate programs, projects and timelines to address identified issues and it will list and cost priorities."
The Peel Sustainable Development Plan 2020 is due to be released at the end of October 2002.
Minister's office: 9220 5000