Cradle Coast Authority (CCA) says now is the time for Braddon candidates to commit federal funding to CCA’s regional election priorities.
Speaking in relation to CCA’s five regional election priorities previously shared with Braddon candidates, CCA CEO, Sheree Vertigan AM said rigorous evaluation and extensive consultation informed our federal election priorities.
The list of priorities includes an investment of $15 mil over three years into natural environmental management in the form of a Natural Environment Investment fund (NEIF) to aid the delivery of significant conservation outcomes in Key Biodiversity Areas, protecting natural values and strengthening the foundations of sustainable tourism and agriculture sectors whilst developing a skilled natural resource management workforce. Along with requests for funding in support of a Regional Digital Connectivity project, a Small Business Co-investment fund and the Don River railway and Slipstream Circus projects.
Support to date consists of the Liberal Party pledging $1.5 mil for a fit-for-purpose training and performing building for the Slipstream Circus and $10 mil towards the expansion of the Don River Railway if re-elected. Accompanied by secured infrastructure funding under Round Two of the Regional Connectivity Program.
While pleasing, CCA would like to see an additional commitment of $250 k to fund a Digital Connectivity feasibility study into the quality of connectivity across the Cradle Coast region and investigate all digital challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, to ensure our region is well placed for the future, CCA on behalf of our member Councils, is calling for the Federal government to play a more significant role in closing the digital divide by bridging the funding gap for this essential service across the entire community, currently funding gaps are left to regional councils to cover.
Echoing tourism leaders recent call for funding for our region, CCA Chair Mr. Sid Sidebottom and CCA CEO, Sheree Vertigan AM expected to gain the opportunity to further discuss potential promises of commitments with both major parties once more and to remind candidates of the process undertaken by CCA’s Member Council Representatives to “specifically prioritise our region’s consensus about those things that will benefit our region as a whole” Mr. Sid Sidebottom said. “It isn’t CCA asking for these projects to be funded, but our regional councils acting collectively.”