 |
|
Newsroom |
|
|
16 July 2003 Rural action plan should be released A group of leading regional businesses has urged the Federal Government to immediately release the details of an independent Action Plan prepared after extensive community consultation. Champions of the Bush Executive Officer Darren Chester says the Government has received the plan from the Regional Business Development Analysis process, which was chaired by Dr John Keniry of Ridley Corporation. "There is a great deal of interest in the Keniry Report and we would like to see it released as soon as possible," Mr Chester said. "Champions of the Bush was one of 200 organisations and 1000 individuals that provided submissions and we are urging the Government to make the findings public". "We understand the report is with the office of Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson awaiting a formal Government response but in the meantime, there is no reason why the public can't have access to the independent panel's findings." Mr Chester said the Action Plan terms of reference covered areas such as encouraging the growth of regional businesses and attracting new investment to regions. It also examined the impediments to growth of regional business including access to finance, skills, infrastructure and technology. "It's a very significant report and Champions of the Bush is very keen to see what Dr Keniry and his panel have recommended," Mr Chester said. "The future of regional Australia is too important to have this report shelved and gathering dust. We have received media summaries but we want to know the details of the Action Plan and work with the Government to implement recommendations which can make a real difference to the future prosperity of country communities." Media information: For further comments contact Darren Chester on 0351 55 3719 or 0412 153 719. Champions of the Bush Chairman: John Brown 0429 101 900.
|
|
|
|
|
