The Regional Development Council (Council) is an independent statutory advisory body established under section 33 of the Regional Development Commissions Act 1993, that provides advice to the Minister for Regional Development on all regional development issues and other matters referred to it by the Hon Don Punch MLA, Minister for Regional Development.
As an advisory body to the Minister, the Council provides leadership and strategic direction to the Regional Development Portfolio and undertakes the following activities:
- Promotes development in the regions
- Develops policy proposals on development issues affecting one or more of the regions
- Facilitates liaison between Regional Development Commissions and relevant government agencies and the coordination of their respective functions
- Promotes liaison between local, State and Commonwealth government bodies with respect to regional issues, and the coordination of their respective policies on those issues
- Establishes strong relationships with key stakeholders and advocates for regional development outcomes
- Reports to the Minister on matters referred to it by the Minister.
Council Membership
The Council consists of the chairpersons from each of the State’s nine Regional Development Commissions and the Director General of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
The current Council members are:
| Robyn Sermon (Chair) | Chair, Wheatbelt Development Commission |
| Hon Tom Stephens | Chair, Kimberley Development Commission |
| Robert Houwen | Chair, Mid West Development Commission |
| Andy Munro | Chair, Gascoyne Development Commission |
| Terrence Winner | Chair, Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission |
| Ricky Burges | Chair, Great Southern Development Commission |
| Vacant position | Chair, Peel Development Commission |
| Terry Hill | Chair, Pilbara Development Commission |
| Danny Griffin | Chair, South West Development Commission |
| Heather Brayford | Director General, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development |
Contact the Regional Development Council
Email: RDCo@dpird.wa.gov.au
Phone: +61 8 6552 1875
Address: Locked Bag 4, Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983
