Kununurra Recognised as a Regional Centres to Drive Economic Future

Written on the 20 December 2016

The Liberal National Government announced this week its $8.5 million investment to support a further five key regional centres as part of its commitment to sustaining the economic growth and prosperity of Western Australia.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman today announced Stage Two of the Regional Centres Development Plan (RCDP), which would enable Albany, Busselton, Carnarvon, Mandurah and Kununurra to access a share of Royalties for Regions investment to drive the development and growth of their regional centres.

Mr Redman said building a stronger network of regional centres was central to the continued economic and social development of regional WA.

"Regional centres with sustainable growth tend to build on their economic strengths; are competitive places to live and invest; foster leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship networks; and focus on the export-orientated industries that bring wealth into their communities," he said.

"This is an opportunity for the regional centres' communities, including business, residents, academia and all tiers of government, to take stronger control of their direction by working together to identify their special economic and social strengths which will contribute to the growth of their community and Western Australia."

Planning Minister Donna Faragher said the importance of regional centres as engines of innovation and economic growth would provide opportunities across the State.

"With changes in our economy opening new opportunities to develop business, investment and jobs, we are continuing to work with regional centres to ensure they have a greater role in driving the economic performance of their communities," Mrs Faragher said.

"With the concentration of business in regional centres, a key focus will be finding new ways to work together and enhance productivity and supply chains to meet the global demand."

Local government authorities, Regional Development Commissions, Chambers of Commerce, Regional Development Australia, universities, traditional owners, businesses and residents of the Stage Two regional centres are invited to use this opportunity to develop a collaborative growth agenda that benefits their community and businesses.

The investment has been made possible by the Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions.

Find out more about Royalties for Regions at https://rfrmap.drd.wa.gov.au