Having delivered the resource boom, regional Australia must now look to secure a thriving and sustainable future in the current global economic climate, with the full support of all spheres of government.
Landing this political message and regrouping regional economies will be the core theme of the Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia (SEGRA) conference to be held in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Western Australia, from 27 to 29 October, ‘Exploring New Frontiers’.
“Government, business and non government sectors must work together to make sure spending delivers increased productivity and sustainable communities in regional Australia,” said Kate Charters, SEGRA convenor.
“Regions must look at a range of new frontiers that will impact future development, such as the potential of green industries, how to respond to a decreasing reliance on oil and the shift in agricultural patterns resulting from climate change, for example.”
Riding the boom bust cycle puts enormous strain on regional communities. Securing investment and government support to position small to medium businesses for the next round of opportunities is a key challenge for regions, and highlights the need for regional Australia to have a strong political voice.
“SEGRA is the only national forum for regional development professionals, policy makers and academics to get together, share experiences and ideas, and to send a message to governments that regions can’t be ignored,” Kate Charters said.
SEGRA also takes on a forecasting role, looking to identify emerging issues into the next decade.
‘The Australian Regional Summit: the new agenda’ on the final day of the conference will provide the opportunity for delegates to identify key issues and propose policy responses for regional Australia in the next decade.
SEGRA will pursue a range of action agendas, with submission of papers and registrations now open. The conference program can be viewed at www.segra.com.au/segra
For further information contact Jessica Shelton on (07) 3210 0021 or email
segra@managementsolutions.net.au
SEGRA is proudly sponsored by the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder, Goldfields Esperance Development Commission, Goldfields Esperance Development Commission, and Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines.
*Copy supplied by SEGRA
