announcement by: Laura Giddings, MP Premier
Regional communities will be given the skills and expertise to grow and diversify their economies with the help of community development pioneer Dr Ernesto Sirolli.
The Premier, Lara Giddings, said $950,000 had been committed to implement Dr Sirolli’s successful economic development model in Smithton, Scottsdale and George Town.
Ms Giddings said The Parliamentary Secretary for the North West Economy, Brenton Best, had been instrumental in bringing Dr Sirolli to Tasmania.
“Dr Sirolli was first brought to Tasmania by the Tasmanian Council of Social Service in 2010. Mr Best subsequently invited him to return to Tasmania and visit these regional areas last year.
“By harnessing the passion, determination, intelligence, and resourcefulness of local people, Dr Sirolli is able to produce remarkable results,” Ms Giddings said.
“In 1985 he helped transform Esperence in Western Australia, which had been suffering from major economic restructuring similar to regional communities across Tasmania.
“Since then more than 250 communities across the world have engaged Dr Sirolli to help transform the skills and enthusiasm of their population into real business opportunities.”
Ms Giddings said Smithton, George Town and Scottsdale had been particularly hard-hit by the downturn in the forest industry and pressure on major manufacturing operations arising from the high Australian dollar.
“The Government has been working closely with the Scottsdale community following the closure of its softwood sawmills and I believe the Sirrolli model will complement the work that has been done by the Dorset Economic Development group and the local council.
“We also know that the George Town community is facing a period of uncertainty. We remain hopeful that we will see construction of a pulp mill which will create thousands of new jobs but it is also important that we support and nurture other business opportunities.
“These communities are suffering due to the downturn in the forest industry and the pressure on our major manufacturing operations arising from the high exchange rate.
“But they still have so much to offer, and nobody should ever write them off.
“I know the people in these communities. They are hard-working and resilient.”
To assist in the transformation the State Government will fund a permanent on the ground presence in these communities over the next two years.
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