Stronger partnerships between the State Government and the West Coast Council was a key outcome following a meeting of Cabinet in Strahan yesterday Tuesday 15 February.

State Government Ministers met with the Council as part of its Regional Cabinet program, with Mayor Phil Vickers presenting Cabinet with a list of issues and opportunities for the West Coast.

All matters discussed were based on the West Coast Community Plan 2025, which Council used as a blueprint to prioritise projects for the region.  The development of an Economic Development Advisory Committee of Council to build upon the initiatives of the West Coast Economic Working Group, along with investigating the feasibility of a regional airport at Strahan were amongst topics discussed between Cabinet and Council.

“It was very pleasing to hear the State Government commit to working in partnership with Council and the West Coast community,” Mayor Vickers said.  “Many of the opportunities identified in the 2025 vision are not solely for Council to deliver, however by strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders such as the State Government we are able to move closer to achieving the 2025 vision.”

Following the Cabinet meeting Minister for Information & Technology Michael Ferguson launched a free Wi-Fi service for Queenstown at the West Coast Wilderness Railway Station. “This State Government initiative will not only benefit visitors to Queenstown, but assist local businesses and allow residents to be more connected,” Mayor Vickers said of the program.

Mayor Phil Vickers, General Manager West Coast Wilderness Railway Michael Saville, Minister for Information & Technology Michael Ferguson and Jeremy Mathieson from Telstra at the launch the free Wi-Fi service in Queenstown