Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain, was on the Central Coast on April 27 to discuss regionally significant projects with stakeholders.
In a visit hosted by Regional Development Australia Central Coast (RDACC), McBain was here to learn more about the projects and challenges shaping the region, including enabling infrastructure, food innovation, affordable housing, healthcare and manufacturing.
RDACC Chair Lawrie McKinna said the visit was a promising show of support for the Central Coast.
“It was a pleasure to host Minister McBain and we appreciate her making the time in her very full schedule to come and gain a better understanding of both the opportunities and challenges we face as a community,” he said.
“The fact that she was here listening to our concerns and learning more about our successes is a promising sign of further support and collaboration from the Australian Government in the future.”
RDACC Deputy Chair Anna Cruckshank said the Minister was given a firsthand look at how federal funding is being used to progress catalyst projects as key drivers for change including the Central Coast Food Innovation Initiative.
“A walking tour of the University of Newcastle’s Ourimbah Campus enabled Minister McBain to experience firsthand the recently established Food and Agribusiness Doctoral Training Centre, as well as examining the state-of-the-art food technology sensory facility and teaching lab upgrades, that is assisting the region to become a centre of innovation,” she said.
RDACC CEO and Director Regional Development, John Mouland, says the visit was also an opportunity to showcase and strengthen regional collaboration.
“Minister McBain’s visit gave us an opportunity to highlight the strength and unity of our regional leaders, with a broad cross section of government, education, health, housing and industry representatives all in attendance,” he said.
“This sends a clear message to the Federal Government that we are a strong and unified region, willing to work together for better outcomes for our community and to achieve our full potential as a strong and vibrant community.”
Regional stakeholders present were RDACC, Central Coast Council, University of Newcastle, Central Coast Health District, Central Coast Research Institute for Integrated Care, Central Coast Industry Connect, Australian Trade and Investment Commission Central Coast & Hunter, Pacific Link Housing and Borg Manufacturing.
Among items discussed, along with the food innovation initiative, were: an infrastructure priorities list, a regional affordable housing initiative; integrated care research and projects the region’s manufacturing sector; activity on regional trade and investment programs; circular economy initiatives; and staff recruitment and retention challenges for businesses.
Source:
Regional Development Australia Central Coast