The City of Karratha recently participated in two vital advocacy activities with key decision makers in Canberra.
City of Karratha Mayor Daniel Scott was in Canberra recently as part of the Australian Mining Cities Alliance and Regional Capitals Australia to meet with key federal leaders and discuss critical issues facing regional mining communities in the lead up to the election.
The Australian Mining Cities Alliance is a collaboration of local governments that work together to address challenges and opportunities in mining communities.
These meetings focused on highlighting critical issues for regional mining communities, including Fringe Benefits Tax reform and addressing Ghost Populations—FIFO/DIDO workers not captured in national data but impact regional infrastructure and services.
Meanwhile, the Regional Capitals Alliance, is a reference group of the 51 regional capital cities, pushing evidence-based policies that highlight the current policy gap between regional and metropolitan cities.
These meetings involved regional development, infrastructure, housing, water and immigration. On the topic of immigration, the regional visa program was discussed to provide the opportunity to rebalance Australia’s population by allowing new arrivals to settle in regional areas rather than the metropolitan capitals.
City of Karratha Mayor Daniel Scott said the meetings were an opportunity to engage with policy makers about solutions specific to the regions.
“We are grateful for the chance to connect and meet with key decision-makers to ensure our community and other mining communities have a voice,” Cr Scott said.
“We are urging all levels of government to look at ways we can work together to increase the liveability of our towns and secure the futures of our regions.”
“As a local government council, we are acutely aware of the issues facing our community and the wider region.
Cr Scott said the visits formed part of the City’s larger advocacy efforts.
“Our focus is on improved housing solutions, increased health facilities, and travel security through the regional capped fares program,” Cr Scott said
“These efforts have had some success with us receiving $21.1m through the Housing Support Program for the Mulataga development, and construction tender being released by the State Government for the Step Up Step Down facility.”
For more information on the City of Karratha’s advocacy efforts visit whatwemakeit.karratha.wa.gov.au/advocacy-position-statements