WA's regional centres poised for prosperity

Written on the 25 January 2016

As one of Western Australia's strategic regional centres, Broome has been selected to participate in Phase 2 of the State Government's Regional Centre Development Plan (RCDP2) initiative.

The RCDP was initiated in 2011 through identification of SuperTowns to support the growth of Sub- Regional Centres in the southern half of the state. RCDP2 focuses on establishing Growth Plan Partnerships (GPP) and delivery of Growth Plans for an additional nine Regional Centres identified in the State Planning Strategy - of which Broome is one.

The aim of RCDP2 is to build the capacity of WA's regional centres to drive economic growth, embrace the unprecedented opportunities of the Asian century, foster investment partnerships with private industry and in the process encouraging innovation that creates jobs.

To translate these ambitions into reality, each strategic regional centre will be supported by a socio economic development strategy known as a Growth Plan that will be developed and owned within the community. The Growth Plans will deliver on the goals set out in the Regional Blueprints, and recognize and reflect the benefits of connectedness and collaboration within and outside its region and at state, national and global levels.

The Growth Plans will be pursued, promoted and enhanced continuously by the community, business and government through an economic development partnership known as a Growth Plan Partnership. These dynamic partnerships will provide strategic regional centres a new driving force to unlock their development potential and achieve long run growth.

The Shire of Broome, Kimberley Development Commission and Department of Regional Development are working closely with Landcorp and the appointed lead consultants Creating Communities to develop a Growth Plan which is transformational yet also realistic and credible -grounded in a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Broome. It will be aligned to economic and social drivers and trends while establishing a shared purpose and commitment for the development of Broome into a thriving regional centre.

As part of the process, the Growth Planning Partnership are keen to work closely with the Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry with its network into the businesses of Broome, local leaders and others who are passionate about Broome and are willing to be engaged in its future.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact: 

Paul Martin
Deputy CEO - Shire of Broome
9191 3456
paul.martin@broome.wa.gov.au 

Tim Bray
Director, Regional Planning and Project Delivery - KimberleyDevelopment Commission
9194 3002
tim.bray@kdc.wa.gov.au