The Federal Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government simon Crean has launched a discussion paper that projects a future of strong growth for the Western Australian town of Geraldton.

 

Geraldton – from a Local to Global Regional City has been prepared by Professor Peter Newman, Director of the Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute in collaboration with the City of Greater Geraldton (CGG).

 

The discussion paper proposes that in the next fifty years Geraldton will transition from a small regional city focused on agriculture into a truly diverse and interesting city with international significance.

 

Professor Peter Newman said Geraldton is at the start of a substantial economic growth phase.


“The growth in mining, trade and science will draw Geraldton into the global economy,” Professor Newman said.

 

“The people of the region want to embrace this economic opportunity and become a truly global city, but to do so in a way that retains the local and regional appearance, culture and character.

 

“This paper was developed on the back of a series of public engagement processes and interviews with key people.

 

“We have prepared a vision that will guide a broadening of the economic base, a deepening of the social and cultural commitment to being a liveable city, and a strengthening of the environmental features that the region holds so dearly.”

 

CGG and CUSP have a strong history of working together.

 

Two years ago the two organisations launched Geraldton 2029 and Beyond, led by Professor Janette Hartz-Karp. This was a community engagement project that encouraged residents to take an active part in shaping the future they would like for their town.

 

Last year Geraldton was awarded a special UN award for world’s best Community Participation and Empowerment. The project also achieved fifth placing – out of 123 projects from 36 countries – in the Reinhard Mohn 2011 Prize for Vitalising Democracy through Participation.

 

In addition, Geraldton received a Silver Award for overall liveability for a city of 20,000 to 75,000 people at the International Awards for Liveable Communities (LivCom) in November last year.

 

Geraldton – from a Local to Global Regional City was developed with the support of industry partners Arup, Syrinx and Ferart Design.