THE South West region of WA is arguably one of the best places in Australia for people to live and work.
Those who live in the region know this and many others who have visited for business or pleasure have gone away knowing they’ve experienced a region that has very special qualities.
However, time stands still for no-one and as the South West comes under greater pressure as a desirable place to bring up the family and make a dollar, so we must address the major economic issues that shape our future.
We are extremely fortunate that within the region we have a mix of business and community-minded people helping to make a difference.
What I mean by this is there is a growing synergy among business, industry and community leaders who know the strength in pooling resources for common outcomes.
This pooling of resources is forming collaborative efforts in attracting new investment into the region, cooperation between local government and business to facilitate stronger economic activity and mutual efforts to preserve the lifestyle that attracted so many of us to live here in the first place.
A good example of such initiatives is the creation of what is known as the Bunbury-Wellington Economic Alliance.
Under the leadership of businessman and South West Development Commission chairman Stuart Morgan, the alliance aims to bring together business, industry and government as a partnership to promote the region and facilitate greater economic development.
Doing things better is always a challenge and everyone who lives and works in regional Australia knows this presents special challenges to success – telecommunications, transport and planning to name a few.
While new efforts such as the Bunbury-Wellington Alliance must be applauded, the historic and ongoing efforts by chambers of commerce, and the people who make them work, cannot be underestimated.
There is a pervading confidence in the South West that we are moving ahead and in good hands.
Chambers of commerce throughout the region are thriving and in most cases membership is on the rise. They are coming up with innovative and workable solutions to local problems and issues.
To know what we are going to do and to tell others about it requires commitment to good communication.
One way is through relevant, targeted business publications such as this one and I look forward to raising issues of importance to the business community in future editions.
