Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils · Shifting wea ther patterns affecting...
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WHEATBELT EAST REGIONAL ORGANISATION OF COUNCILS October 2012 Report of Regional and Remote Areas Training Program
Transcript of Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils · Shifting wea ther patterns affecting...
WHEATBELT EAST REGIONAL ORGANISATION OF COUNCILS
October 2012 Report of Regional and Remote Areas Training Program
Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils
Report of the Economic Development Australia Regional and Remote Areas
Training Program
Held in Merredin, Western Australia, 5 – 6 October 2012
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
Background 1 Acknowledgements 1 Program 1
KEY POINTS FROM “ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – WHY, WHAT AND HOW” 3
Why are we interested in economic development? 3 What is economic development? 3 How do you go about it? 3 Regional Snapshot 4
WORKSHOP 1: VALUES AND TRENDS 6
(a) Values 6 (b) Trends 7
WORKSHOP 2: OUR ECONOMIC FUTURE 9
(a) Industry Sectors and Other Growth Factors 9 (b) Issues and Challenges 11 (C) Issues and challenges for our sub-region based on the determinants of long-run economic growth 13
WHERE TO NOW? 15
Recommendations 15
ANNEX 1 - PARTICIPANTS 16
Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils
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INTRODUCTION
Background The Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils (WEROC) is a collaborative group of local government authorities in the eastern part of the Western Australian Wheatbelt Region. It comprises the Shires of Bruce Rock, Kellerberrin, Merredin, Westonia and Yilgarn. WEROC also invited their neighbouring Shires from the North East Wheatbelt Organisation of Councils and the Roe Organisation of Councils. Of these, Nungarin and Koorda accepted the invitation to participate (see annex 1 for the list of participants).
The Regional and Remote Area Economic Development Training Program (RRATP) is a programme developed by Economic Development Australia (EDA). The program matches interested communities with economic development professionals who deliver the training.
The WEROC RRATP was delivered on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th of October 2012. It was held in the Merredin Regional Community and Leisure Centre.
Acknowledgements Thanks to Helen Westcott, Executive Officer of WEROC, Cr Stan McDonnell, Chair of WEROC and WEROC members for inviting such a committed group of community leaders, business people and volunteers who contributed so generously of their time and expertise. The support and contribution of the Regional, State and Federal agencies in attendance was greatly appreciated.
Thanks also for professional organisation of the event and the generous hospitality of WEROC and the community in hosting the EDA facilitators. We were also grateful to the hard-working local catering staff who supplied an excellent array of sustenance and refreshments.
Program The RRATP was facilitated by three volunteer members of Economic Development Australia (EDA) WA – Damien Martin, Anne Petch and Alison Dalziel – and covered three sessions:
Session One
This session involved the introduction of facilitators and attendees. The EDA facilitators presented case studies:
Opotiki District: Creating the Future – Alison outlined how local government, business and iwi (Maori kinship group) are collaborating to achieve their economic and community aspirations for Opotiki in New Zealand.
Mundaring Chamber of Commerce – Damien explained how the Mundaring Chamber of Commerce was formed, some of the lessons learned, some its achievements, and some of the opportunities ahead.
Community Economic Development – Anne discussed her experiences with accessing public funding in South Australia, and how strategic planning and personal relationships are critical to successful economic development.
Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils
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Session Two
Presentation of “Economic Development – why, what and how” in an interactive session with practical examples from the facilitators. Jointly presented by all three facilitators.
Session Three
Facilitated community workshop in three parts:
1. Community Values and Major Trends (facilitated by Anne Petch)
An exploration of the issues that the communities in the WEROC sub-region hold dearly, and an identification of the major trends influencing the future of the sub-region.
2. Our Economic Future (facilitated by Alison Dalziel):
An exploration of where the economic future of each locality lies, identification of common opportunities, challenges and possible directions across the sub-region.
3. Wrap-up Session (facilitated by Damien Martin)
Tackling the “where to from here?”
The sections that follow summarise key points from “Economic Development – why, what and
how” and each of the three workshop sessions.
WEROC RRATP participants discussing their next steps
Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils
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KEY POINTS FROM “ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – WHY, WHAT AND HOW”
Why are we interested in economic development? To perform at their best, regions need to make the most of their assets, minimise their
shortcomings and manage risks.
This takes:
strong local governance and leadership
sound information base
an agreed strategy and aligned projects
strong institutional and social capital
a local commitment to, and ownership of, development
If we understand what factors determine our growth prospects, we can take action to give us the
best chance of success. The determinants of long term regional economic growth (as agreed by
COAG Regional Australia Standing Council, July 2012) are:
human capital, particularly education and skills
sustainable (economically, environmentally and socially) communities and population
growth
access to international, national and regional markets
comparative advantage and business competitiveness, and
effective cross-sectoral and intergovernmental partnerships (including through place
based approaches) and integrated regional planning
What is economic development?
Economic development is essentially about understanding how your local/regional economy works and intervening to make it work better.
How do you go about it?
There are many possible ways we can take action to improve our local and regional economic outcomes. To make sure we are choosing the best ways, it is useful to devise an economic development strategy with a compelling vision, a robust understanding of the economy, well-thought through strategies, prioritised actions and everyone on board (community and key stakeholders).
The following diagram outlines an economic development framework which shows all the steps involved. For further detail, see “Economic Development – Why, What and How” (Economic Development Australia).
Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils
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Diagram 1: Economic Development Framework
Regional Snapshot
A snapshot of key regional information1 was presented to the RRATP, which highlighted a mix of significant disparities and commonalities (see diagram 2 below).
The sub-region is bisected by major road and rail transport corridors, energy transmission and telecommunications networks and a reticulated water system. It is well served with recreation, health, medical and education services, and is comprised of a number of vibrant communities.
The sub-regional economy is based on broad-acre dry-land agriculture and mining. The agricultural sector is vulnerable to international movements in terms of trade, currency and commodity prices, input prices and declining rainfall. The mining sector is vulnerable to similar vagaries in international markets and input costs. Attracting and retaining skilled labour is also problematic in some areas.
1 It is anticipated that a sub-regional economic planning process, led by the Wheatbelt Development Commission, will commence in the foreseeable future which will provide a comprehensive analysis of the sub-region’s economic prospects.
Phase 1
Mobilise
Phase 2
Research
Phase 3
Vision
Phase 4
Analyse
Phase 5
Strategy and Action Plan
Phase 6 Implement
Phase 7
Review
Identify possible stakeholders
Build on stakeholders’ roles
Maintain stakeholder input
Gather relevant qualitative and quantitative data
Identify the region’s positioning in the State/global economy
Identify key drivers and stakeholders
Bring together relevant stakeholders and existing visions
Articulate a single vision and high level goals for all stakeholders
Analyse your strengths weaknesses, opportunities and threats
Link in with other plans and planning processes
Seek stakeholder input and expertise
Set strategic objectives and broad strategies
Identify possible activities
Prioritise
Schedule realistic and achievable activities
Test with wider stakeholders
Communicate action plan
Support and monitor implementationas required
Appraise implementation
Evaluate effectiveness in achieving goals
Provide feedback to stakeholders
Review and update strategy
Matters to consider
Outputs
Vision and Goals
Communication Strategy
Regional Economic
Profile
Results of Analysis
Initiatives delivered
Understand your region Strategise and plan Implement Review
c o m m u n i c a t i o n – e n g a g e m e n t – p a r t n e r s h i p s
Updated Strategy and Action Plan
Strategy and Action Plan
Adapted from Ministry of Economic Development New Zealand circa 2004
Wheatb
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Dia
gra
m 2
: R
eg
ion
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Sn
ap
sh
ot
L
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rn
We
sto
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err
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ock
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dia
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mil
ies*
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19
92
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ell
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dia
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pw
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pw
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pw
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Ind
ust
ry o
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mp
loy
me
nt*
*
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57.0
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53
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ity
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Page 5
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Pag
e 6
WO
RK
SH
OP
1: V
AL
UE
S A
ND
TR
EN
DS
(a)
Va
lue
s
ME
RR
ED
IN
WE
ST
ON
IA
BR
UC
E R
OC
K &
H
INE
S H
ILL
K
EL
LE
RB
ER
RIN
N
UN
GA
RIN
Y
ILG
AR
N
WH
EA
TB
EL
T W
IDE
S
po
rt a
nd
re
crea
tio
n
faci
litie
s
W
ork
ed
wit
h
Mer
red
in g
rou
p
B
usi
nes
s o
pp
ort
un
itie
s
E
asy
laid
bac
k lif
e st
yle
C
lean
H
ealt
hy
O
pen
sp
ace
G
oo
d
infr
astr
uct
ure
L
ifes
tyle
as
rich
as
th
e la
nd
scap
e
D
iver
sity
- p
eo
ple
an
d a
ctiv
itie
s
S
afet
y an
d
secu
re
P
arti
cip
atio
n
H
ealt
hy
lifes
tyle
C
arin
g f
or
oth
ers
and
co
mm
un
ity
S
ust
ain
abili
ty o
f b
oth
co
mm
un
ity
and
en
viro
nm
ent
W
ork
ing
to
get
he
r as
a c
om
mu
nit
y
L
ifes
tyle
S
afet
y
A
cces
s to
sh
op
s,
S
en
se o
f co
mm
un
ity
O
pp
ort
un
itie
s
(
sch
oo
ling
, re
gio
nal
em
plo
ymen
t)
H
erit
age
S
afe
and
cle
an
com
mu
nit
y
H
ealt
hy
lifes
tyle
(s
po
rt &
en
viro
nm
ent)
A
gin
g in
pla
ce
S
tro
ng
sen
se o
f p
lace
dem
on
stra
ted
b
y p
rid
e, p
assi
on
an
d p
arti
cip
atio
n/
volu
nte
ers
C
om
mit
men
t
S
tro
ng
des
ire
of
com
mu
nit
ies
to
det
erm
ine
thei
r o
wn
fu
ture
“d
on
’t d
o it
to
u
s, d
o it
wit
h u
s”
E
mer
gin
g d
esir
e to
w
ork
to
get
her
W
hin
gin
g w
on
’t
wo
rk!
N
eed
to
re
thin
k en
gag
em
ent
/bu
y in
Page 6
Wheatb
elt E
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Pag
e 7
(b)
Tre
nd
s
ME
RR
ED
IN
WE
ST
ON
IA
BR
UC
E R
OC
K &
H
INE
S H
ILL
K
EL
LE
RB
ER
RIN
N
UN
GA
RIN
Y
ILG
AR
N
WH
EA
TB
EL
T W
IDE
A
gin
g (d
emo
gra
ph
ic
tren
ds)
E
du
cati
on
(L
oca
l ->
E
xter
nal
->
Lo
cal)
P
op
ula
tio
n –
u
rban
isat
ion
, wel
fare
d
epen
den
ts
A
gri
cult
ure
–
incr
eas
ing
eff
icie
ncy
an
d s
ize
of
pro
per
ties
R
enew
able
s –
incr
eas
ing
in
vest
men
t an
d
inte
rest
C
limat
e ch
ang
e –
wat
er
P
op
ula
tio
n d
eclin
e
I
ncr
easi
ng
ro
ad
tran
spo
rt a
nd
lack
of
infr
astr
uct
ure
(rai
l)
F
oo
d b
ow
l (fo
reig
n
ow
ner
ship
- p
osi
tive
an
d n
egat
ive
)
A
gin
g p
op
ula
tio
n
A
bse
nce
of
lab
ou
r p
oo
l
S
hif
tin
g w
eath
er
pat
tern
s af
fect
ing
ag
ricu
ltu
re (
po
siti
ve
and
neg
ativ
e)
R
egio
nal
gre
en b
elt
pla
n
L
oss
of
po
pu
lati
on
in
to
wn
H
igh
co
st o
f co
mp
lian
ce f
or
bu
sin
ess
R
isin
g t
ran
spo
rt
cost
s
B
usi
nes
s cl
osu
res
L
ack
of
skill
ed
lab
ou
r
N
o C
ham
ber
of
Co
mm
erce
C
han
gin
g r
atio
of
“th
ose
wh
o g
et
free
bie
s to
th
ose
w
ho
pay
fo
r th
e fr
eeb
ies”
A
gin
g p
op
ula
tio
n
C
limat
e ch
ang
e
R
estr
uct
uri
ng
of
agri
cult
ure
–
corp
ora
te
farm
ing
an
d
chan
ges
in
com
mu
nic
atio
n
T
ech
no
log
ical
ch
ang
es
C
entr
alis
atio
n o
f se
rvic
es
L
ifes
tyle
(tr
ee
chan
ger
s)
A
gin
g p
op
ula
tio
n
la
ck o
f jo
b
op
po
rtu
nit
ies
for
you
ng
er
mem
ber
s o
f co
mm
un
ity
C
han
ge
in
agri
cult
ure
H
ealt
h d
eliv
ery
chan
ge
I
ncr
easi
ng
p
op
ula
tio
n
I
ncr
easi
ng
ex
pe
ctat
ion
s o
f co
mm
un
ity
A
gri
cult
ure
un
der
th
reat
– f
rom
cl
imat
e an
d
glo
bal
mar
kets
b
ut
op
po
rtu
nit
ies
– va
lue
add
ing
an
d g
oo
d
seas
on
s b
enef
it
loca
l co
mm
un
ity
& b
usi
nes
ses
E
du
cati
on
– lo
ss
of
you
th a
nd
fa
mili
es
M
inin
g
op
po
rtu
nit
ies
– in
du
stry
gro
wth
, em
plo
ymen
t,
loca
l bu
sin
ess
bu
t al
so t
hre
ats
– fr
om
glo
bal
m
arke
ts a
nd
w
age
pre
ssu
re o
n
smal
l bu
sin
ess
Th
reat
s:
I
nte
rnal
fo
cus
red
uci
ng
co
op
erat
ion
(c
on
flic
tin
g p
ress
ure
s)
A
gri
cult
ure
– c
limat
e;
salt
; pro
du
ctiv
ity
and
la
ck o
f d
iver
sity
F
ocu
s o
n g
ross
rat
her
th
an n
et v
alu
e
L
eaka
ge
of
do
llars
, p
eo
ple
an
d e
xper
tise
P
erce
pti
on
of
reg
ion
–
ho
t, d
ry, s
alt
affe
cted
N
eed
fo
r su
b-r
eg
ion
al
eco
no
mic
rest
ruct
uri
ng
D
em
og
rap
hic
s
Op
po
rtu
nit
ies:
W
orl
d f
oo
d n
eed
s
A
gri
cult
ure
– w
orl
d
clas
s d
ry la
nd
m
anag
emen
t
M
ajo
r in
fras
tru
ctu
re
trav
ersi
ng
th
e re
gio
n
Page 7
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Pag
e 8
P
roxi
mit
y to
Per
th –
m
arke
ts a
nd
acc
ess
to
mar
kets
A
bili
ty t
o p
ers
uad
e o
f h
ow
imp
ort
ant
we
are
– b
y o
ur
staf
f, c
om
e h
ere
to w
ork
or
visi
t,
shar
e kn
ow
led
ge
and
ex
per
tise
D
em
og
rap
hic
s
Page 8
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Pag
e 9
WO
RK
SH
OP
2: O
UR
EC
ON
OM
IC F
UT
UR
E
(a)
Ind
us
try S
ec
tors
an
d O
the
r G
row
th F
ac
tors
ME
RR
ED
IN
WE
ST
ON
IA
BR
UC
E R
OC
K
KE
LL
ER
BE
RR
IN
NU
NG
AR
IN
YIL
GA
RN
W
HE
AT
BE
LT
WID
E
A
viat
ion
sec
tor
gro
wth
– r
eg
ion
al
airp
ort
W
orl
d c
lass
hea
lth
an
d e
du
cati
on
se
rvic
es in
clu
din
g
tert
iary
an
d
voca
tio
nal
A
cces
s to
sp
ecia
list
wit
hin
reg
ion
al
ho
spit
al
A
ge
d c
are
and
ac
com
mo
dat
ion
I
nd
ivid
ual
re
tire
es –
se
lf f
un
ded
, dem
enti
a u
nit
R
ang
e o
f ac
com
mo
dat
ion
typ
es
E
xpan
ded
ret
ail
sect
or
and
CB
D
enh
ance
men
t /
dev
elo
pm
ent
M
inin
g –
gro
wth
th
rou
gh
exp
lora
tio
n
A
gri
cult
ure
– g
row
th
thro
ug
h in
no
vati
on
/ d
iver
sifi
cati
on
T
ou
rism
– le
vera
ge
off
his
tory
an
d
her
itag
e
N
ew b
usi
nes
s an
d
rete
nti
on
of
exis
tin
g
A
ge
d c
are
acco
mm
od
atio
n
T
ou
rism
–
acco
mm
od
atio
n
and
sh
ort
sta
y
L
oca
l bu
sin
ess
and
S
hir
e co
op
erat
ion
P
riva
te h
ou
sin
g
sub
div
isio
ns
L
aw a
nd
ord
er
A
ge
d c
are
–
resi
den
tial
car
e,
ho
me
care
, su
pp
ort
ser
vice
s
S
erv
ice
– fo
r ag
ricu
ltu
re/o
ther
–
pre
cisi
on
ag
ricu
ltu
re
V
alu
e ad
din
g –
g
rain
E
-co
mm
erce
–
inte
rnet
bas
ed
reta
ilin
g –
w
ork
ing
fro
m
ho
me
– an
ywh
ere
N
atu
ral r
eso
urc
e d
evel
op
men
t
U
ran
ium
min
ing
E
co t
ou
rism
–
lan
d a
nd
wild
life
I
nd
igen
ou
s cu
ltu
re
S
up
po
rt f
or
aged
ca
re
T
ou
rism
–
con
tin
ued
reg
ion
al
coo
per
atio
n
E
nco
ura
ge
/ su
pp
ort
pri
vate
b
usi
nes
s
M
inin
g (
2x
Ch
and
ler)
M
inin
g a
nd
to
uri
sm –
lin
k b
oth
ind
ust
ries
fo
r b
enef
it t
o
bo
th
(co
llab
ora
tio
n /
co –
op
era
tio
n)
R
etir
em
ent
– p
rom
ote
as
reti
rem
ent
/ lif
esty
le
des
tin
atio
n –
su
pp
ort
wit
h a
ge
frie
nd
ly
com
mu
nit
y
A
gri
cult
ure
p
roce
ssin
g –
Pri
mar
y In
du
stry
mu
tual
ly
ben
efic
ial
M
inin
g
T
ran
spo
rt a
nd
lo
gis
tics
P
op
ula
tio
n s
ervi
ces
H
ou
sin
g
L
ifes
tyle
S
olv
es t
he
pro
ble
m
S
erv
ices
A
ge
ser
vice
s
F
amily
ser
vice
s
R
esea
rch
an
d
dev
elo
pm
ent
in
Ag
ricu
ltu
ral r
egio
ns
T
ou
rism
(to
ad
d v
alu
e to
co
mm
un
ity
amen
ity,
nat
ura
l am
enit
y an
d
Ind
igen
ou
s C
ult
ure
Page 9
Wheatb
elt E
ast R
eg
ion
al O
rganis
atio
n o
f C
ou
ncils
Pag
e 1
0
A
gri
cult
ure
, min
ing
, al
lied
ind
ust
ry
(man
ufa
ctu
rin
g)
A
lter
nat
ive
ind
ust
ries
–
e.g
. tra
nsp
ort
R
egio
nal
to
uri
sm
linke
d u
p
S
ust
ain
able
an
d v
alu
e ad
ded
ag
ricu
ltu
re –
su
pp
ort
ed
by
rese
arch
an
d
dev
elo
pm
ent
I
nfr
astr
uct
ure
–
wat
er, p
ow
er, r
oad
s
S
tate
fo
cus
: m
anag
ing
reg
ion
al
gro
wth
- o
ur
op
po
rtu
nit
ies
mu
st
alig
n t
o t
his
str
ateg
y (e
g c
on
trib
ute
to
so
lvin
g P
erth
’s
con
ge
stio
n)
Page 10
Wheatb
elt E
ast R
eg
ion
al O
rganis
atio
n o
f C
ou
ncils
Pag
e 1
1
(b)
Iss
ue
s a
nd
Ch
all
en
ge
s
ME
RR
ED
IN
WE
ST
ON
IA
BR
UC
E R
OC
K
KE
LL
ER
BE
RR
IN
NU
NG
AR
IN
YIL
GA
RN
W
HE
AT
BE
LT
WID
E
G
ener
al
L
ack
of
pla
nn
ing
L
ack
of
suit
able
ac
com
mo
dat
ion
P
erce
pti
on
of
livin
g in
th
e co
un
try
O
verc
om
ing
p
aro
chia
lism
P
ub
lic t
ran
spo
rt –
b
etw
een
to
wn
s
O
vers
ized
load
s
W
ater
ava
ilab
ility
–
dec
reas
ed (s
alin
e w
ater
)
T
elec
om
mu
nic
atio
ns
M
on
ey p
lus
hu
man
re
sou
rces
– E
con
om
ic
Dev
elo
pm
ent
Off
icer
N
etw
ork
– R
DA
– L
G
– C
RC
– W
DC
A
ge
d C
are
F
un
din
g
Ed
uca
tio
n
P
erm
itti
ng
an
d
app
rova
l
R
igh
t cr
op
s; r
igh
t ar
ea; o
pti
on
s
P
ow
er a
nd
wat
er
S
erv
ices
an
d
attr
acti
on
s, w
ell
pav
ed, a
cces
sib
le
S
kille
d r
eso
urc
es /
lab
ou
r p
oo
l
Y
ou
th
un
emp
loym
ent
D
rug
an
d a
lco
ho
l-re
late
d v
iole
nce
M
arri
age
b
reak
do
wn
s
U
nfa
ir c
om
pet
itio
n
B
usi
nes
s vi
abili
ty
L
ack
of
sew
erag
e
L
ack
of
bu
sin
ess
and
sh
ire
co
op
erat
ion
C
om
mu
nit
y le
ader
ship
R
egio
nal
co
-o
pe
rati
on
Q
ual
ity
of
e-
com
mu
nic
atio
n
S
trat
egic
p
artn
ersh
ips
– g
ovt
– b
usi
nes
s
G
ovt
po
licy
– re
gio
nal
d
evel
op
men
t an
d
lan
ds
– p
lan
nin
g
A
ttra
ctin
g
po
pu
lati
on
–
skill
ed w
ork
ers
(tra
inin
g /
retr
ain
ing
)
M
arke
t ac
cess
–
lives
tock
T
ran
spo
rt –
in
fras
tru
ctu
re
W
ater
–
avai
lab
ility
M
inin
g -
ho
usi
ng
, ro
ads
T
ou
rism
-fu
nd
ing
-m
arke
tin
g o
uts
ide
reg
ion
W
ork
forc
e –
skill
ed
/ un
skill
ed
T
ran
spo
rt –
ro
ads
/ ra
il
H
ou
sin
g
M
inin
g
a
vaila
bili
ty t
o
po
rt
m
arke
t p
rice
s
a
cco
mm
od
atio
n
for
dev
elo
pm
ent
of
infr
astr
uct
ure
e
mp
loym
ent
T
ou
rism
d
evel
op
ing
st
rate
gie
s to
lin
k to
uri
sm
thro
ug
ho
ut
the
re
gio
n
I
nfr
astr
uct
ure
–
trai
ls, s
ign
age
etc.
v
olu
nte
ers
/ pai
d
staf
f
R
etir
em
ent
Vill
age
I
nfr
astr
uct
ure
(g
rou
p h
ou
sin
g)
H
ealt
h s
ervi
ces
G
etti
ng
dec
isio
n
mak
ers
to
un
der
stan
d
the
Wh
eatb
elt
– n
eed
o
ne
voic
e o
n k
ey
issu
es a
nd
a g
oo
d
stra
teg
y fo
r en
gag
em
ent
(“w
inn
ing
hea
rts
and
m
ind
s”)
A
cces
s to
fin
ance
: g
ett
ing
a m
ult
iplie
r ef
fect
fo
r L
oca
l, S
tate
, Fe
der
al a
nd
Pri
vate
in
vest
men
t –
nee
d
new
inve
stm
ent
veh
icle
s
-
lan
d a
ssem
bly
-
resi
den
tial
an
d
ind
ust
rial
d
evel
op
men
t
W
illin
gn
ess
to in
vest
fr
om
wit
hin
an
d
exte
rnal
ly –
nee
d
edu
cati
on
pro
cess
L
ack
of
inn
ova
tio
n
cult
ure
– li
ttle
su
pp
ort
Page 11
Wheatb
elt E
ast R
eg
ion
al O
rganis
atio
n o
f C
ou
ncils
Pag
e 1
2
S
taff
A
gri
cult
ure
an
d a
llied
in
du
stry
F
eed
lot
dai
ry in
du
stry
B
iod
iese
l
M
on
ey –
re
aso
nab
le
valu
e fo
r p
rod
uct
E
du
cati
on
T
erti
ary
I
nd
ust
ry r
ela
ted
C
aree
r co
un
selli
ng
to s
ervi
ce e
lder
ly
T
enu
re
man
agem
ent
for
inn
ova
tio
n
W
ork
fo
rce
attr
acti
on
an
d r
ete
nti
on
–
cap
acit
y an
d s
kills
N
atio
nal
fo
od
pla
n –
w
ill t
he
re b
e a
stra
teg
y an
d
inve
stm
ent?
Page 12
Wheatb
elt E
ast R
eg
ion
al O
rganis
atio
n o
f C
ou
ncils
Pag
e 1
3
(C)
Iss
ue
s a
nd
ch
all
en
ge
s f
or
ou
r s
ub
-re
gio
n b
as
ed
on
th
e d
ete
rmin
an
ts o
f lo
ng
-ru
n e
co
no
mic
gro
wth
D
eter
min
ant
Issu
es
and
ch
alle
ng
es
Hu
man
cap
ital
, par
ticu
larl
y ed
uca
tio
n
and
ski
lls
E
stab
lish
ter
tiar
y ed
uca
tio
n f
acili
ty
C
apac
ity
-bu
ildin
g f
or
eco
no
mic
dev
elo
pm
ent
wo
rk /
net
wo
rkin
g /
colla
bo
rati
on
C
apac
ity
– b
uild
ing
fo
r le
ader
ship
S
kills
fo
r ag
ed
car
e
F
un
din
g m
od
els
for
trai
nin
g
R
etai
nin
g s
kille
d p
eo
ple
A
lign
men
t o
f p
eop
le w
ith
car
eer
s w
her
e in
du
stry
nee
ds
skill
s
Su
stai
nab
le c
om
mu
nit
ies
and
p
op
ula
tio
n g
row
th
A
pp
rop
riat
e h
ou
sin
g
Q
ual
ity
of
reg
ion
al r
oad
s
I
ntr
a-re
gio
nal
pu
blic
tra
nsp
ort
R
etai
nin
g/a
ttra
ctin
g b
ack
you
ng
peo
ple
L
aw a
nd
ord
er, d
rug
an
d a
lco
ho
l iss
ues
Q
ual
ity
of
dig
ital
co
mm
un
icat
ion
s
U
tilit
ies
– re
du
cin
g t
he
relia
nce
on
imp
ort
ed
wat
er ,
ener
gy
pro
du
ctio
n a
nd
dis
trib
uti
on
, re
stri
cted
sew
erag
e
Acc
ess
to in
tern
atio
nal
, nat
ion
al a
nd
re
gio
nal
mar
kets
B
arri
ers
to a
cces
sin
g f
inan
ce (
inve
stm
ent
mo
del
an
d v
ehic
le f
or
that
)
Co
mp
arat
ive
adva
nta
ge
and
bu
sin
ess
com
pet
itiv
enes
s
P
rom
oti
on
of
the
reg
ion
A
dap
tio
n t
o v
aria
ble
clim
ate
C
aptu
rin
g t
he
valu
e o
f ec
on
om
ic d
evel
op
men
t ac
tivi
ty
D
isin
cen
tive
s to
exp
and
– c
om
plia
nce
an
d t
ax r
egu
lati
on
Page 13
Wheatb
elt E
ast R
eg
ion
al O
rganis
atio
n o
f C
ou
ncils
Pag
e 1
4
C
om
plia
nce
wit
h d
ang
ero
us
go
od
s re
gu
lati
on
s (f
uel
su
pp
lies
in s
mal
l to
wn
s at
ris
k)
A
nim
al w
elfa
re is
sues
(liv
esto
ck e
xpo
rt)
Eff
ecti
ve c
ross
-sec
tora
l an
d
inte
rgo
vern
men
tal p
artn
ersh
ips
(in
clu
din
g t
hro
ug
h p
lace
bas
ed
app
roac
hes
) an
d in
teg
rate
d r
egio
nal
p
lan
nin
g
R
estr
icti
on
s o
n r
eso
urc
e sh
arin
g
O
ver
com
plic
ated
co
mm
itte
e / g
rou
p s
tru
ctu
res
– m
isal
ign
men
t o
f ag
ency
L
ack
of
enab
ling
reg
ion
al s
tru
ctu
res
– re
gio
nal
co
llab
ora
tio
n (l
oca
l go
vern
men
t, in
du
stry
sec
tors
etc
.)
Page 14
Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils
Page 15
WHERE TO NOW?
As the RRATP workshop was delivered under the auspices of WEROC, the group resolved to make
a set of recommendations to WEROC. Acceptance of these recommendations will assist in
harnessing and progressing the considerable amount of information that was assembled.
Recommendations:
1. WEROC acknowledges that it is well-placed to drive the facilitation of economic development in the sub-region, in collaboration with other agencies such as the Wheatbelt Development Commission and Regional Development Australia – Wheatbelt.
2. WEROC establishes a cross-sectoral economic development project group, with objectives including (but not limited to):
Commissioning appropriate sub-regional economic development research and analysis in consultation with the Wheatbelt Development Commission and Regional Development Australia - Wheatbelt.
Establishing communications protocols, guiding principles and governance arrangements for economic development projects and initiatives
Integrating economic development initiatives and programs with other agency programs such as those undertaken by Regional Development Australia – Wheatbelt, the Wheatbelt Development Commission, business and industry groups, other state and Commonwealth agencies, the North East Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils, the Roe Regional Organisation of Councils, and the Goldfields-Esperance Region.
3. WEROC investigates assembling resources to support and economic development executive/secretariat
4. WEROC researches appropriate governance models to implement and manage regional economic development projects and programs.
Contact
Adam Saddler, National Coordinator EDA RRATP
0448 813 800
Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils
Page 16
ANNEX 1 - PARTICIPANTS
Cr Mike Verhoogt Shire of Bruce Rock and local business owner
Cr Stan McDonnell President, Shire of Kellerberrin and Chair of WEROC
Cr Donna Crook President Shire of Merredin
Cr Martin Morris Deputy President Shire of Merredin
Cr Debbie Morris Shire of Merredin (Saturday only)
Cr Dionne Hayes-Thompson Shire of Merredin (Friday only)
Mr Greg Powell CEO Shire of Merredin
Ms Robyn McCarthy Manager, Central Wheatbelt Visitors Centre (Friday only)
Ms Evelyn Arnold Executive Manager of Corporate and Community Services (Friday only)
Cr Onida Truran Deputy President Shire of Yilgarn
Ms Vivienne Piccoli CEO Shire of Yilgarn
Cr Eileen O’Connell President Shire of Nungarin
Ms Wendy Newman CEO, Wheatbelt Development Commission
Rebekah Burges Executive Officer, Regional Development Australia (Saturday only)
Ms Renee Manning Merredin resident
Mr Greg Doncon Department of Food and Agriculture WA
Mr Roy Butler Department of Food and Agriculture WA
Mr Ric Newman CY O’Connor TAFE
Mr Kevin Arnold Business owner, Bruce Rock and Hines Hill
Mr John Trunfio Business Owner, Merredin
Ms Lisa Fischer Chairperson, CRC Merredin
Mr Andrew Crook Business Owner, Merredin
Ms Sal Marais Manager Small Business Centre Central Wheatbelt
Mr Paul Steber RSM Bird Cameron Merredin
Mr David Schmitz General Manager, Evolution Mining, Westonia
Mr Paul Thackray Portacrete, Southern Cross Concrete
Mr John Power AMMS, Southern Cross
Ms Karen Bain Southern Cross Accommodation Village Ms Mia Davies Member for the Agricultural Region
Mr Paul Brown National Party Candidate
Mr Ray Davy Conway Highbury Consulting
Ms Helen Westcott Executive Officer WE-ROC
Apology
Mr David Burton CEO Shire of Koorda
