Nationals MP Ian Blayney to champion WA regions to governments
Geraldton MP Ian Blayney will champion WA’s regional cities in a newly-created role with the Nationals WA.
He has been appointed the party’s spokesman for Regional Cities, along with Fisheries, Veterans and Defence Issues and Asian Engagement.
Party leader Mia Davies said the regional cities portfolio, created at Mr Blayney’s suggestion, acknowledged their importance to the State and their need for support.
“Our regional cities play a significant role in supporting economic and social development for the broader regions, they should all have quality education services, vibrant cultural precincts, adequate health services, industry and business driving job creation,” she said.
Geraldton, Broome, Esperance, Northam, Busselton, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Albany, Bunbury, Kununurra, Port Hedland and Karratha fall within the new portfolio.
Mr Blayney said WA’s population was forecast to grow to 3.5 million by 2050, meaning regional cities would become more important to take the strain off the State’s capital.
“There are considerable synergies between this portfolio and the Federal Government’s regional services and decentralisation portfolios, which can be used to gain more traction and investment in WA,” he said.
“I am also keen to look at how we can better access the Federal Government’s Regional Deals and City Deals programs, create a uniform approach between local, State and Federal governments and expand business footprints outside Perth."
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