Regional Development Australia boards are undergoing a significant period of change, thanks to an independent review.
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That’s a good thing for our region, which will have Hugh Cooke (pictured) heading up the Southern Inland RDA.
Mr Cooke, a Yass grazier, brings a fresh set of eyes and attitude and is equipped with a strong background in finance, agribusiness and governance.
Those attributes will come in handy as he comes to grips with projects on the boil and those that are stalling. Questions need to be asked about why RDASI’s bid to draw wool sales to Goulburn has stalled. Up to $30,000 was spent on a feasibility study, albeit part grant money, but nothing has happened. The organisation insisted the work wasn’t wasted but we haven’t seen any concrete moves to progress the project since last August.
Even council general manager Warwick Bennett told The Post he hadn’t received any update in eight or nine months.
It cannot be left to languish. But perhaps RDASI should be asking whether it was ever going to fly, given the strong opposition of some woolbrokers. There are also questions of process. Why was only one venue, the former AWH woolstore in Hume Street, selected as the preferred site for potential wool sales and a museum? It came out of the blue without any type of expression of interest.
The federal government last year decided to keep RDAs, despite Warwick Smith’s review recommending they be wound up in favour of other regional development options. Although their funding is being trimmed, it’s essential they make good use of public money and are accountable.
Working for community
She was a regular fixture selling raffle tickets at the Lilac markets and an under-stated woman quietly going about her work.
It’s hard to imagine this year’s Lilac City Festival without Yvonne Neale. For more than 30 years she gave her all to the event, just to maintain an old favourite for Goulburn. She faced public criticism on occasions but continued, knowing that the festival was important to residents.
Her only reward was to see the smiles on children’s faces and hearing a thank you from patrons. We hope the festival continues as a vibrant addition to the city’s spring calendar of events. We also offer our sincere condolences to her family on the loss of a very much loved mother and grandmother.