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15 February 2007 Media
Release Champions of the Bush meets in Horsham The Champions of the Bush (COTB) association of companies meets in Horsham on Thursday 15th February 2007 to canvass issues facing regional communities, and to support a Young Leadership Enhancement project being advanced in conjunction with the Wimmera Hub Adult Education Centre. The 10 member not-for-profit organisation seeks to raise the profile of economic development in the Bush, and to initiate projects that will help local communities to attract investment into infrastructure, retain their young people, and to energize the voice for equitable government consideration outside the capital cities. Chairman of COTB Richard Rijs (Managing Director of Patties Foods) said today that the member companies all have a major interest in regional Australia, with an employee base exceeding 10,000 people currently. "Issues such as the current drought and water supply shortages are of significant concern to local communities, and we urge governments and the private sector to work cooperatively in a bipartisan manner to urgently address the enormous economic and environmental impacts," Mr Rijs said. "We are amid a real crisis in the Bush, and capital city recognition of the agricultural produce impacts is finally being recognised," he said. COTB believes that the water catchments across the country need to be protected from potential pollution and degradation resulting from the current bushfires, as was achieved with the Thompson Dam, and that all other country citizens are entitled to the same quality of water security as the city supplies. It says that many country towns are experiencing diminishing water supply flows - effecting drinking water quality, irrigated agriculture, and bushfire fighting capabilities. "A lot of work and resources have been expended by country people in recent times to protect these water resources, and this should be recognised and compensated accordingly," Mr Rijs said. "Country people are paying a disproportionate price both in water quality and a shortage of water, with serious flow-on effects to the well-being and economies of towns and communities." COTB will be holding discussions with Horsham people and seeking local support and participation. Contact: Richard Rijs (Patties Foods) 0409 564 493 Or Geoffrey Carruthers (COTB Convenor) 0419 885 672
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