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Baker returned as board chair

Posted on August 19, 2008, 11:11am

Dale Baker was returned as chairman of the Limestone Coast Regional Development Board at the annual meeting in Naracoorte yesterday.

Presenting his report, Mr Baker said board staff handled more than 1800 enquiries in 2007-08.

“Our work on infrastructure development is ongoing,” Mr Baker said.

“This year, transport planning and investment to support increasing freight volumes saw new passing lanes on the Riddoch and Princes Highways.

“Our links to the Port of Portland are always a strong focus of the board and we have worked closely with our Victorian colleagues to keep impressing on governments the need for more transport infrastructure funding.

“Looking forward, we will continue our efforts to attract investment and growth in all our industry sectors.

“We will pursue projects already in the pipeline in the areas of timber value adding, renewable energy, transport and the dairy industry.”

Chief executive Grant King reported the development board had been involved with investment attraction and access to government-funded programs to a value of $12.2m.

There was a link with the direct creation of 131 new jobs and 1001 training participants.

The annual report shows the development board continued to be involved with the proposed Penola Pulp Mill development.

“This important project, in addition to creating new investment and employment opportunities, will have further spin-off benefits in the areas of freight and transport services, continued growth in the regional plantation estate and can contribute further towards regional population growth,” the report states.

“The industry will face increased demand for labour as new harvesting activities commence for the bluegum plantations.”

The report says the board focused its attention of the long-term growth of timber supply and its interaction with the regional water resource.

“It is important that while supporting sustainability principles for water and equitable access for all industry users, more science be applied to fully understand forest impacts,” the report states.

The report shows the board was also involved with potential energy projects including wave power, coal near Kingston and bio-fuel.

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Comments

One Response to “Baker returned as board chair”

  1. Duan Butler on August 19th, 2008 6:16 pm 1

    Mr Baker, for reasons probably only known to himself, continues to support the Penola pulp mill proposal that never has or never will be assessed by normal environmental procedure. How anyone can ignore the fact that an environmental impact study was avoided is not trying too hard to be environmentally responsible.

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