The central west board for Regional Development Australia was in Forbes this week to learn from local business.
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The 12 board members took the opportunity to meet with Mountain Industries while in Forbes for their AGM on Monday.
Chief executive officer Peter McMillan said it was good to have a look at what goes on behind the frontline of a major logistics business.
The group is launching a freight study in December and was keen to meet with people in the industry.
“We were keen to understand the challenges, opportunities and issues they face and identify some of the priorities for companies like Mountain Industries in order to be able to develop more efficient supply chains,” Mr McMillan said.
“Mountain Industries is a significant transportation and logistics company and a major employer and contributor to the Forbes economy.”
Chair Sandy Morrison said he was pleased to be in Forbes for the AGM.
“Forbes is a wonderful part of the region,” he said.
“It is an area with terrific community spirit, many heritage and other attractions, and is a strong agriculture and transportation hub.”
Twelve people sit on the RDA central west board, representing people from Lithgow in the east to Lake Cargelligo in the west.
Local farmer and consultant Emma Thomas has served on the board for nearly three years.
She said she was keen to be part of the organisation, looking for opportunities to increase employment, income and population in the area.
Mrs Thomas said it was also good to meet with representatives of Forbes Shire Council.
What does the RDA do?
RDA Central West can help communities develop project proposals for funding opportunities such as the National Stronger Regions Fund.
“Access to grant funding is a competitive process and can be rather complex for community organisations unfamiliar with what is required,” chief executive officer Peter McMillan said.
“We aim to make organisations aware of programs available that might be relevant to their circumstances.
“Where there are projects which are likely to contribute to improved economic outcomes such as investment and job creation in the regions, we want to work with those organisations to support where we can.”
The key is to ensuring that projects that deliver infrastructure that communities want come to fruition.
“If government grant funding can assist to make the project become reality, we want to make sure funding applications are put in,” Mr McMillan said.
For more information about how RDA Central West can support regional businesses and other community stakeholders, please contact Mr McMillan on 02 6369 1600 or go to www.rdacentralwest.org.au