Jobs for future generations and increasing the social capital of the Peel region through innovation, investment attraction and strategic economic growth were the topics of high level discussions with Federal Government cabinet ministers in Canberra this week.
A joint delegation from Regional Development Australia (RDA) Peel and the Peel Development Commission (PDC) visited senior ministers and senators to build capacity for further federal investment for the Transform Peel program. The $49.3 million transformational project is currently funded by the Western Australian Government’s Royalties for Regions program under the Growing Our South initiative, and comprises three significant elements; Peel Business Park, Peel Food Zone and Peel Integrated Water Initiative.
Delegation members PDC Chairman Paul Fitzpatrick and CEO Andrew Ward, RDA Peel Chair Paddi Creevey, CEO John Lambrecht and Board Member Rhys Williams presented detail of the 35 year program demonstrating how it will create jobs for future generations and address social issues in the Peel.
The Transform Peel delegation met with Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann, Minister for Finance; Hon Greg Hunt, Minister for Industry, Innovation & Science; Hon Barnaby Joyce, Minister for Agriculture & Water Resources; Senator the Hon Fiona Nash, Minister for Regional Development; Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Minister for Employment; Assistant Minister Angus Taylor and their senior advisors. ENDS…
Paul Fitzpatrick stated that the delegation had boosted awareness of Transform Peel and garnered a very enthusiastic response.
“This is not just a project to drive growth in the Peel region; it is a development of state and national significance. Transform Peel will provide a massive boost for a region which is striving to meet employment and training needs, particularly of young people, by generating an expected 33,000 new jobs by 2050. The program will be shaped by smart thinking and big ideas that inform more efficient and sustainable food production, water use and cutting-edge industries. The demonstrated potential for industry investment within Transform Peel by Australian and international investors was well received by the federal ministers.”
Paddi Creevey added that the reception to requests for federal support had been extremely positive.
“The Commonwealth ministers and senators understood Transform Peel is about changing from our current economic environment which is built around traditional jobs into a new era of economic innovation. It’s about creating new industries, more jobs and better living, through innovation. For example creating a new agri-business hub for Western Australia where agricultural research, science and innovation will be located to support food production enterprise and processing facilities.”
Mr Fitzpatrick thanked Member for Canning Andrew Hastie for his support during the visit. “The high level of engagement we enjoyed during our Canberra visit was facilitated by Mr Hastie’s office and we value their ongoing support,” he said.
Transform Peel is devised, developed and delivered by the Peel Development Commission. For further information visit www.peel.wa.gov.au
Media Contact: Andrew Ward, Chief Executive Officer, Peel Development Commission, andrew.ward@peel.gov.wa.au , (08) 9535 4140