Albany to bid for 2016 conference

Albany could play host to up to 350 key Australian and international decision-makers if a bid to host the Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia National Conference in 2016 is successful.

The Great Southern Development Commission has asked local authorities to make an in-principle commitment to determine support for the conference, which attracts senior members of Parliament, industry players and academics focusing on key issues affecting regional Australia. A bid in the vicinity of $80,000 is required to secure the conference and it is understood local government authorities, including the shires of Cranbrook, Denmark and Plantagenet, have made an in-principle commitment of $5000 and the Shire of Gnowangerup endorsed $1500 at its council meeting last week.

Gnowangerup chief executive Shelley Pike said the Shire was in full support of the idea as it would be an opportunity to showcase issues relevant to the region.

"The issues can be raised and dealt with by both Australian and international experts and give us scope to move forward, stimulate ideas and think outside the box," she said.

Other stakeholders including Regional Development Australia Great Southern, Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry, South Coast Natural Resource Management and the University of WA have also pledged support.

It is understood the City of Albany has agreed to cover a funding shortfall in partnership with the GSDC of up to $40,000.

Albany CCI chief executive Russ Clark said if Albany held the event, it was forecast each delegate could spend between $300 and $500 a day, injecting about $140,000 a day into the local economy.

"More importantly, it puts us on the map in the way of a conference- hosting venue in Australia - that's very important to us, as well as working on important regional issues."

City tourism development and services manager Matthew Bird said the City had preliminary discussions about hosting the event.

GSDC chairman Peter Rundle said the Commission was delighted with the in-principle support reveived so far.

"The process of securing a SEGRA conference is a competitive one, however, subject to firm commitments from these partners, the Commission is confident that the region will be able to put forward a strong bid at the appropriate time," he said.