Social Recovery Council must listen to NW community
recovery package needed in NW region
consultation vital for region’s recovery
The Premier and his Economic and Social Recovery Council
must heed growing calls for a tailored recovery package for the state’s North
West.
Labor Member for Braddon Anita Dow said there has been
little action so far from the Recovery Council and community consultation has
been put off until at least the start of July, even though we need that now.
“As the region hardest hit by COVID-19, a tailored recovery
passage is required for the North West, similar to what’s happened after
previous economic shocks,” Ms Dow said.
“The outbreak in the North West and the associated extended
lockdown period means the impacts have been deeper and will be felt for longer
than in other parts of the state.
“As we know from significant economic downturns in the past,
it will take the region some time to recover from this crisis, particularly
given its high exposure to global markets.
“So, it is disappointing that the Premier’s Economic and
Social Recovery Council has not only failed to acknowledge the region’s specific
challenges, but has also flagged community consultation only after the
end of the first stage of consultation – at the end of next month.
“A recovery package is best designed by locals, for locals
and would build on regional development work already undertaken by key groups
including the Cradle Coast Authority, local chambers of commerce and regional
tourism leaders prior to the COVID-19 crisis.
“This is especially so in the North West, which hasn’t
experienced the same level of economic growth as other parts of the state in
recent years, with poorer health and educational outcomes and an ageing
population.
Labor Member for Braddon Shane Broad said the region needs targeted
investment, including support for industry and infrastructure investment, but
it also needs to address the underlying socioeconomic deficits in our regional
economy.
“We need to buy local, build local and employ local,” Dr
Broad said.
“Targeted investment in important regional infrastructure
projects would stimulate the regional economy, providing local businesses with
confidence to re-open and re-employ local people.
“We need support for key industries, including regional
tourism, advanced manufacturing, forestry, agriculture aquaculture, renewable
energy and construction, as well as investment in regional health and
improvements to facilities at local schools.
“The Economic and Social Recovery Council provides an
opportunity for a coordinated, localised approach, focussing on regional
health, social and economic wellbeing and working with local communities and
industries as we navigate the difficult pathway to recovery.
“We must not let this opportunity pass us by and I urge the Premier and his recovery council to get moving on wider stakeholder engagement. We need immediate community consultation to inform the next steps in our social and economic recovery.”
Anita Dow MP
Labor Member for Braddon
Shane Broad MP
Labor Member for Braddon
