The West Coast Economic Working Group’s Interim Report highlights the need for long-term strategies from all tiers of government to diversify the local economy, Greens Leader and Treasury spokesperson Kim Booth MP said today.
“The West Coast community is extremely resilient, as it has proven throughout recent tough times, and the 200-odd suggestions summarised in the Working Group’s Interim Report reflect that tenacity, innovation and determination,” Mr Booth said.
“However it is clear that the effort ahead requires tangible support and involvement from all tiers of government, including Federal assistance on the ground.”
“For example, our proposed Queenstown-based Mine Remediation and Innovation Centre of Excellence is a potential joint Federal-State project which we believe the Working Group should include on their list of additional projects.”
“This proposal does not just rely on ore deposits being found and mining operations funded. It builds upon the wealth of local knowledge and expertise in mining operations, and provides a hub for the development of specialist remediation skills, and innovation of technologies useful for mining and rehabilitation projects.”
“Such a Centre of Excellence would attract people to the West Coast to work, train and study, and Tasmania would also be in the position to export the Centre’s skills and expertise nationally and internationally.”
“A joint funded feasibility study, which involves the University of Tasmania, could further a project with the capacity to create new jobs for locals, and attract and retain a range of professionals to boost the west coast community’s critical mass necessary to attract and retain services.”
“While the Interim Report makes a good start on delivering on the community’s asks, the Final Report expected in January needs to provide a more detailed action plan which is not so heavily reliant on state funding if we are to see a long-term economic revival for the West Coast,” Mr Booth said.
Kim Booth MP | Greens Leader
