Grylls decision threatens investment

The State Government has come under fire to extend the submission period for the review into Regional Development Commissions as the fate of the South West Development Commission hangs in the balance.

A recent report into the review of the State’s nine RDCs has recommended a raft of changes to their operations, which are out for public comment until February 1.

Nationals leader Brendon Grylls said streamlining the operations of RDCs would make it easier to administer Royalties for Regions.

But industry leaders fear this will drive investment away from the South West.

Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industries chief executive officer Andrew Horan said the six-week time frame for public comment was ‘‘inappropriate’’, particularly with the busy Christmas and New Year break.

The South West Development Commission was one of the most effective and efficient branches in the State and establishing a single statutory authority — the WA Regional Development Commission — ‘‘doesn’t make sense’’, Mr Horan said.

South West MLC Adele Farina was highly critical of Mr Grylls’ decision to call for public submissions on the Structuring Regional Development for the Future report over the festive season.

‘‘If Minister Grylls was serious about seeking public submissions on the review report he would make sure that the submission period did not coincide with when most people are on leave,’’ she said.

Ms Farina said the Government failed to provide public information forums to inform the community about the review report and its recommendations, which she said could have ‘‘serious ramifications for the South West region’’.

‘‘Under the current model, the South West Development Commission has been able to provide timely responses to local issues.

''This will be lost under the proposed model,’’ she said.

Cr Stephen Craddock said he did not support restructuring RDCs because Bunbury had benefited ‘‘a great deal’’ from the SWDC.