Leichhardt MP Matt Smith meets with members of the Western Cape Chamber of Commerce to discuss what local business operators believe are the key issues needing his advocacy. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Eight hours after being sworn in as the new Member for Leichhardt, Matt Smith sat down with the Western Cape Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) to get the sentiments of local business operators on economic development opportunities, challenges and what they believed should be his advocacy priorities for the region.
Mr Smith attended a chamber meeting in Weipa on 5 June and said he had already noticed key themes emerging from different stakeholder groups on western Cape York.
“I think the chamber is an exciting development – it’s an exciting part of Weipa,” he said.
“There’s a lot of people who are trying to do their best for the economic opportunities in the region; they’re are all singing from the same song sheet, however, the issues that I’m hearing from WTA (Weipa Town Authority), that I’m hearing from Mapoon, that I’m hearing from Napranum, are being replicated by the chamber of commerce, so that tends to indicate that there is a fair bit of work to do, particularly around freight, and the impact the wet season has on not just Weipa, but the entire Cape.”
Diversification of industry and the potential expansion of RAAF Base Scherger were tabled at the meeting and while the possibility of the latter is being kept under wraps by the Federal Government, Mr Smith said he believed it would “absolutely be a requirement” new military personnel join the Weipa community.
“My ability to comment on any expansion on Scherger itself is probably limited, because I’m not privy to those conversations,” he said.
“But if there was to be, hypothetically, that expansion, it absolutely would be a requirement to have the troops in here (Weipa); I think that’s a really important part of the development of Weipa.”
Chamber president Jai Christie said developing an early relationship with the new MP was a critical element of supporting the organisation’s vision and business sustainability in the region.
“Building an early connection with Matt was crucial for the chamber,” he said.
“Establishing a strong relationship from the outset allows for open communication and collaboration on key issues affecting the region.
“Matt listened to our concerns around major issues, including the PDR, freight, future industry possibilities and cost of living relief in the Cape; with his background in community work and advocacy, I hope he will take these concerns seriously.”
Mr Christie said WCCC wanted to see collaboration between Mr Smith and his state counterpart, Cook MP David Kempton, to ensure red tape and funding fights did not hinder local development opportunities.
“The major western Cape-specific issues we believe [Mr Smith should focus on] are the PDR seal and federal funding for stage three to match the Queensland Government, support for new industry, including technology, energy and defence – help cut the red tape – and help with getting the WTA access to federal funding that other local government areas can access.”
