The Western Australian Municipal Association (WAMA) has welcomed the launch of a resource kit that will assist rural and remote Councils to revive their communities.
“With many farming communities throughout the wheatbelt currently suffering the effects of drought and several poor seasons, the launch of the Small Town Renewal Kit has come at an opportune time,” said WAMA President, Councillor Ian Mickel. “Attrition rates in many rural communities continue to increase, which in turn impacts on essential services such as schools, and hospitals.
“A decline in population also impacts on businesses and infrastructure, and communities are now finding they have to proactively invest time and resources to turn the future and fortunes of their towns around.”
Produced by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the Small Town Renewal Kit includes case study examples of successful communities throughout Australia. There are some fantastic examples of proactive communities that have made the decision to take control of their future and develop programs and initiatives to ensure their long term growth and sustainability. Examples of proactive communities in Western Australia included in the Kit are Balingup, Kulin and Hyden.
“These three communities are excellent illustrations of what every community can do to renew and revive itself,” Councillor Mickel said. “The essence of all the examples contained in the report is a willingness from members of the community to commit their own time and resources, and a real belief that something positive can be done to ensure their community’s long term survival.
“This Kit is an excellent resource and I commend RIRDC for developing a tool that can be applied to communities in many different areas and situations.”
The Kit provides information sheets, case studies, development tools and resource ideas. Councils can download a free copy of the Kit on the Internet, at http://www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index2.htm#humcap> or purchase the kit by telephoning (02) 6272 4819.
