The West Coast Working Group’s final report is welcome but what is missing is action from both the State and Federal Liberal Governments.
Labor Leader Bryan Green said people on the West Coast expecting decisive action from the Government to create jobs and opportunities in the region had been badly let down.
“There is no new money attached to this final report and it appears all the hard work has been pushed onto the West Coast Council with the development of a new strategic plan commencing mid-2015. It begs the question: what has Adam Brooks been doing for the past six months?
“All we have seen is the State Government bringing forward election commitments that predate the mine closure. But even that is better than the Federal Government, which has been completely missing in action.
“Brett Whiteley should be ashamed of his government’s response to the challenges in his electorate.
“There’s $16 million promised to Cadbury that’s just sitting there with no timeframe around when it will be spent. That money should have been brought forward to assist the West Coast.
“Labor supports expansion plans at Cadbury but the Liberals should be able to find funding for both initiatives.
“We’ll continue to be constructive when it comes to putting forward ideas to grow and diversify the West Coast economy.
“Many of the ideas put forward by Labor immediately following the closure of Mount Lyell are reflected in the Government’s final report. What is missing is a commitment from the government to implement them.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
