Case Study
Small Shires: Growth & Liveability
Regional Development Australia Mid West and Gascoyne recognises that the population of the small shires and the region are declining. There is no one solution to the factors that support job opportunities and growth in small shires. A multi-faceted approach is needed.
Developing appropriate governance and implementation frameworks at both local and regional levels is essential to create the business case opportunities required for transformational programmes that will attract both private and public sector investment.
Gascoyne Infrastructure Priorities is the first part of an ongoing project to clarify the infrastructure priorities that will deliver the greatest return to the Gascoyne region and Western Australia in terms of business investment and job growth.
Over the short term (0-4 years), the tourism and mining industries will provide the greatest opportunity for business investment and job creation. Infrastructure categories supporting these investment areas include hard roads, housing, accommodation and Aboriginal empowerment.
The prioritisation considered the Infrastructure WA Infrastructure Strategy (July 2021), the Infrastructure Australia Infrastructure Priority List (August 2021), and the Northern Australia Agenda. Aligned to these reports, the Gascoyne Infrastructure Priorities are an initial step in bringing a focus to the public and private investment, which is important to the Gascoyne. In addition, identifying these priorities provides the basis for an aligned regional approach and the opportunity to create a regional leadership and advocacy environment.
The purpose and function of an aligned regional leadership could include:
A shared vision for the future of the region.
A Regional Infrastructure Intentions Statement.
An Advocacy Strategy for Government and business investment.
Expert working groups for developing strategy and delivering priority infrastructure such as a Regional Road Group.
Building capacity for business cases, funding applications and project management
Against the backdrop of Federal and State Government reports into state and regional infrastructure requirements and the policy framework from the Office of Northern Australia, Regional Development Australia Mid West and Gascoyne was aware that the Gascoyne region lacked a regional perspective on key infrastructure and policy matters. They required an outward-looking infrastructure and policy framework that represented the region's requirements, as opposed to an external Government view of requirements.
