Member for the Agricultural Region Mia Davies co-hosted a workshop in Perenjori on Tuesday, bringing together government, community and industry to discuss how Mid West communities can capture the benefits of the resources boom in the region.

 The ‘Leaving a Legacy’ workshop focused on how local communities, with the assistance of government and industry, can prepare for resources growth in the Mid West.

“The Mid West is entering an exciting expansion phase, with a range of resources, energy and infrastructure projects, and we have a real opportunity to work together to prepare for the boom,” Ms Davies said.

More than 70 key stakeholders gathered at the Perenjori Pavilion on Tuesday 11 May 2010 for the workshop and agreed to develop a Mid West Master Plan.

“It was great to see so many people at the workshop to discuss the impact economic development will have on communities and assess the infrastructure.

“In particular, the ‘social infrastructure’ – such as schools, housing and health facilities – that will be required to support the population growth.”

Speakers at the forum included Minister for Regional Development and Lands, Brendon Grylls; Rob Jefferies, Geraldton Iron Ore Alliance; Chris Adams, Town of Port Hedland; and Lisa Pollard, Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.

Ms Davies said mining companies already work closely with the community, but there is currently no requirement to consider social sustainability and no structured way these companies can contribute.

“We are trying to make it easier for these companies to target their investment and get better results for communities, who will reap the benefit of strategic investment in social infrastructure.”

This will require the communities in the Mid West to identify and prioritise the social and physical infrastructure they need to create a sustainable future.

The Mid West Development Commission has agreed to work with these communities to develop this Master plan by the end of 2010.

For more information please contact Hon Mia Davies MLC on 0412 656 005 or mia.davies@mp.wa.gov.au