MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Maxine McKew MP Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 29 January 2010 MM003/2010

McKew Tells RDA WA To Go For Gold For Their Communities Maxine McKew, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development, today challenged the new Regional Development Australia (RDA) Western Australia committees to "go for gold" in their bid to help make their state's regions stronger. Ms McKew laid down the challenge to committee members at the RDA WA official induction meeting in Perth today, highlighting the significance of the leadership role they will play in the future of WA's regions. Ms McKew set the challenge to work hard, work together, work with all levels of government and business and communities; and to think innovatively and proactively for regional communities. "Western Australia is in a unique position given the strength of its economy and scope of its resources sector." "RDA committees now have the opportunity to ensure that this prosperity gets to each and every region." "With strong local community leaders at the helm of each committee RDA WA is well placed to deliver on this challenge for the benefit of their regions," Ms McKew said. RDA WA committees that have been appointed in eight regions: Goldfields Esperance; Great Southern; Kimberley; Mid West Gascoyne; Peel; Pilbara; South West; and Wheatbelt. There is also an advisory body for Perth. "These committees will become the first point of call for local communities, businesses, interest groups and elected representatives across the levels of government."  Ms McKew again congratulated the Committee members on their appointment and called on them to get working on engaging with government and regional communities, and the development of their Regional Roadmap. For more information and up to date news on RDA go to www.rda.gov.au Media Contacts Matt Pulford ( McKew's Office ) 0434 655 781   URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/mm/releases/2010/january/mm003_2010.htm