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Industry reps missing from RDA board

Posted on November 5, 2009, 8:08am

South East leaders have voiced disappointment at the lack of industry representation on the newly formed Regional Development Australia board for the Limestone Coast.

The board members were announced this week following the merger of the Limestone Coast Regional Development Board and the former Area Consultative Committee under national reforms involving all three levels of government.

Previously, the LCRDB featured industry representative Michael Plummer, who had 35 years experience in the forestry sector, and viticulture consultant Max Arney, who is also a member of the Limestone Coast Wine Industry Council.

Charles Goode also represented the region’s agriculture sector as the South Australian Farmer’s Federation’s member of the board.

South East farmer and former SAFF president Dale Perkins said it was important to have agriculture represented on the board due to its key role in the region.

“It is disappointing the agriculture profile is seen to be diminished somewhat by not being represented,” he said.

He said that while Dale Baker, who chaired the former LCRDB and has taken on the role of heading the new board, was involved in farming, it was important to use the knowledge of formal, well-established groups.

“The only groups really organised to provide effective representation for the majority of farmers are SAFF and the South Australian Dairyfarmers Association for the dairy industry,” Mr Perkins said.

“They are the only ones with branches with a two way feedback stream that is important for many of these groups that supposedly act on our behalf or make decisions or recommendations to government.”

Former LCRDB member Tony Pasin, who remains a member of City Council, said he believed industry should be represented on the board to steer its work, particularly the timber sector, which was the dominant feature of the South East.

Mount Gambier timber mill operator Ian McDonnell said he was also disappointed with the lack of industry representation.

“Given the structure of previous boards, you have to ask why they haven’t bothered to get industry representatives,” he said.

“Given the dynamics of the South East region and contribution of forestry to our economy, it is pretty disappointing they have chosen this time round not to have industry representation.”

The board, led by Mr Baker, features four of the region’s mayors — Wattle Range’s Mark Braes as deputy chair, Kingston’s Evan Flint, Mount Gambier’s Steve Perryman and Tatiara’s Richard Vickery.

The board also features Wattle Range councillor Gwenda Lawlor, South Eastern Times columnist and former school teacher Moira Neagle of Millicent and 2007 RIRDC Rural Woman of the Year runner-up Abi Spehr of Beachport, who is part of a fourth generation farming family.

Completing the board are TAFE SA regional leader Dr Ruth Schubert, Naracoorte optometrist and landholder Glen Schultz, Anglican Community Care chief executive Rob Foggo and Stand Like Stone Foundation executive officer Sally Klose.

A spokesperson for Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Maxine McKew said the board members had a broad range of skills.

“Several members have rural backgrounds and interests — one member is employed in the lobster fishing industry, others run a variety of small businesses, a number have experience in local and state government and regional development,” he said.

“The new board also includes members with a background or experience in welfare and the educational sector.”

The spokesperson said all board members were expected to maintain a strong focus on economic development and employment growth and training and social inclusion were key factors to achieve these aims.

“While the role of the RDA network is broader than the former regional development board’s role, there remains a strong focus on economic development,” he said.

“It is expected the outcomes achieved by the RDB will actually be enhanced by the establishment of the RDA, particularly given the three spheres of government are working together.”

JASON WALLACE

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