The Premier and his Economic and Social Recovery Council must heed growing calls for a tailored recovery package for the state's North West.
Labor Member for Braddon Anita Dow said there has been little action so far from the Recovery Council and community consultation has been put off until at least the start of July, even though we need that now.
"As the region hardest hit by COVID-19, a tailored recovery passage is required for the North West, similar to what's happened after previous economic shocks," Ms Dow said.
"The outbreak in the North West and the associated extended lockdown period means the impacts have been deeper and will be felt for longer than in other parts of the state.
"As we know from significant economic downturns in the past, it will take the region some time to recover from this crisis, particularly given its high exposure to global markets.
"So, it is disappointing that the Premier's Economic and Social Recovery Council has not only failed to acknowledge the region's specific challenges, but has also flagged community consultation only after the end of the first stage of consultation - at the end of next month.
"A recovery package is best designed by locals, for locals and would build on regional development work already undertaken by key groups including the Cradle Coast Authority, local chambers of commerce and regional tourism leaders prior to the COVID-19 crisis.
"This is especially so in the North West, which hasn't experienced the same level of economic growth as other parts of the state in recent years, with poorer health and educational outcomes and an ageing population.
Labor Member for Braddon Shane Broad said the region needs targeted investment, including support for industry and infrastructure investment, but it also needs to address the underlying socioeconomic deficits in our regional economy.
"We need to buy local, build local and employ local," Dr Broad said.
"Targeted investment in important regional infrastructure projects would stimulate the regional economy, providing local businesses with confidence to re-open and re-employ local people.
"We need support for key industries, including regional tourism, advanced manufacturing, forestry, agriculture aquaculture, renewable energy and construction, as well as investment in regional health and improvements to facilities at local schools.
"The Economic and Social Recovery Council provides an opportunity for a coordinated, localised approach, focussing on regional health, social and economic wellbeing and working with local communities and industries as we navigate the difficult pathway to recovery.
"We must not let this opportunity pass us by and I urge the Premier and his recovery council to get moving on wider stakeholder engagement. We need immediate community consultation to inform the next steps in our social and economic recovery."
Anita Dow MP
Labor Member for Braddon
Shane Broad MP
Labor Member for Braddon
