Minister MacTiernan's visit to the Wheatbelt
February 15, 2019 at 4:28 PM
Hon Alannah MacTiernan MLC, Minister for Regional Development; Agriculture and Food, was in the Wheatbelt on 23 January for a full day of events including a prospectus launch, site visit, funding announcement and a stakeholder forum.
Launch of the Northern Growth Alliance Investment Prospectus in Lower Chittering
In the beautiful surrounds of Nesci Estate Wine Farm, Minister MacTiernan launched the Northern Growth Alliance (NGA) Investment Prospectus. Guests included Hon Darren West MLC, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister MacTiernan and Hon Laurie Graham MLC, Member for the Agricultural Region. Around 45 stakeholders attended including government agencies, local government, industry, local business and community representatives.
The Prospectus highlights the strong public and private investment and jobs growth in the Northern Growth Alliance region. The Shires of Chittering, Dandaragan and Gingin formed the Alliance and work in collaboration with the City of Wanneroo and the Wheatbelt Development Commission to maximise the investment opportunities for the area.
Minister MacTiernan highlighted the productivity of the NGA region. That is, it produces 83% of the State’s oranges, 80% of the State’s lemons, 77% of the State’s lettuce, 68% of the State’s sweet corn and 64% of the State’s blueberries. Other high value niche products from the area include saffron, camel milk, honey, goats cheese and olive oil. Guests enjoyed a light lunch consisting largely of local produce from the NGA area.
Visit to Bilya Koort Boodja Centre in Northam
Minister MacTiernan visited the Bilya Koort Boodja (BKB) Centre for Nyoongar Culture and Environmental Knowledge, in Northam. Centre Co-ordinator Michelle Winmar provided a guided tour. The Minister met with local Elders and members of the Northam Aboriginal Advisory Group to learn about traditional Aboriginal culture and land management, as well as the development of local Aboriginal enterprise.
Development of the BKB Centre was made possible with support from National Stronger Regions Funding of $2.1million, Lotterywest funding of $2 million and Royalties for Regions Wheatbelt Regional Grants Scheme 2016 funding of $300,000. Bilya Koort Boodja is Nyoongar language for River Heart Lands.
The Centre offers an educational experience to recognise the rich Aboriginal culture of the Ballardong region. This includes a yarning circle, a sorry space, art and craft and interactive displays.
Funding announcement at the York Community Resource Centre
Minister MacTiernan visited the York Community Resource Centre and announced the McGowan Government’s $2 million Regional Traineeship Program. Grants of up to $30,000 for traineeship funding are on offer to Community Resource Centres and eligible local governments.
The Program will support skills development across the Wheatbelt and allow CRCs and local governments to provide necessary training, skills and employment opportunities in their area.
Friends of the Wheatbelt Forum in York
Hosted by the Wheatbelt Development Commission, the Friends of the Wheatbelt Forum was held at The Imperial Homestead in York and was attended by over 50 stakeholders including government agencies, local government, industry, local business, community and former WDC Board members. Guests included Hon Darren West MLC, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister MacTiernan and the Hon Laurie Graham MLC, Member for the Agricultural Region and Hon Mia Davies MLA, Member for the Central Wheatbelt.
Minister MacTiernan highlighted some of the exciting investment currently occurring in the Region and thanked outgoing CEO Wendy Newman for her significant work for the Commission. The Minister also thanked Wendy for her leadership, passion and advocacy for the Wheatbelt over many years.
Read the article in Farm Weekly here.
