Push for changes to regional commissions

An eight-month review of the state's Regional Development Commissions has recommended a major overhaul of the current structure and the establishment of a single statutory authority to oversee regional issues.

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the body would be known as the Western Australian Regional Development Commission.

Each of the existing Regional Development Commissions would become regional offices of the WARDC.

The WARDC board would comprise of an independent executive chair and the chairs of each regional board.

Mr Grylls said that each regional office would retain its own board to guide the function and priorities of the regional offices.

It is hoped the changes would improve collaboration between each regional area and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.

The WARDC would be responsible for developing a state-wide perspective on regional conditions, including market failures and opportunities.

The regional officers would continue to be the lead co-ordinators in their geographical area.

The offices would propose economic and social growth initiatives, including through Royalties for Regions grants funding.

Mr Grylls said that he and the Premier Colin Barnett were considering how to respond to the recommendations.

The Premier's Economic Audit Committee, which has examined ways to streamline government operations, was the catalysts for the review.

In all, the Regional Development Review Committee, which was chaired by Wendy Duncan, received 207 submissions.

There are currently nine regional development commissions covering the Wheatbelt, South-West, Pilbara, Peel, Mid-West, Kimberley, Great Southern and Gascoyne.