Weipa-based RDA Tropical North board member Jaime Gane is calling for Cape York residents to have their say in the region’s future. Photo: Supplied.
Cape York residents passionate about developing their region could be the next voices for their community.
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North is on the lookout for four new board members as expressions of interest for the roles open the week starting 12 January.
Board member and Weipa Town Authority elected member Jaime Gane said it would be great to include voices from a variety of areas on Cape York.
“At the moment, I’m the only person representing the Cape, so to have more people from other areas to give that broader regional insight for the Cape would be fabulous,” she said.
“My perspective, obviously, has a strong Weipa and Western Cape focus, but things that impact and affect us also impact and affect all of the other communities on the Cape as well, like the PDR (Peninsula Developmental Road), for example.
“On the Cape, we’re all connected by a lot of shared struggles, so having someone else on the Cape or even the Torres Strait would be helpful to shine a spotlight on some of the other unique challenges that we face living up here.”
Ms Gane said serving as a board member for an organisation focused on spotlighting the region and championing opportunities could be highly rewarding.
“The people that you work with are wonderful people who are very passionate about the development of Far North Queensland,” she said.
“I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for somebody on the Cape who is passionate about seeing a great future.
“It’s a really great network to be a part of, and to be able to take part in the conversations that help guide the direction for the future of the region.”
She encouraged Cape York leaders with a vision for the region to put their hands up.
“Even though we represent the Cape well with just myself, having that broader representation would definitely strengthen the case for the focus on the Cape, the opportunities that exist, and also the chance to try and overcome some of the challenges,” she said.
“The rest of the group are already very understanding of the challenges we face up here, and are supportive of it being a key focus of RDA, but the more Cape voices, the better.”
RDA Tropical North CEO Lainie Poon said they were looking to highlight a diverse range of viewpoints.
“They don’t have to be Cairns-based — we certainly encourage people from across our remit to join us, and that helps us represent the whole region,” she said.
“First Nations people, women, and anyone with a disability are also really important to us, [and] we want to encourage anyone with local expertise across industries to apply.
“More than anything, we want people who are passionate about the region, want to see that economic development, can bring expertise, and want to be actively involved in what’s going on.”
RDA Tropical North Chair Professor Hurriyet Babacan said the role was a career-developing opportunity for people with a deep understanding of the region.
“This is an opportunity to contribute at a strategic level to social and economic development that is inclusive, place-based and future-focused,” she said.
“Our board plays a critical role in facilitating investment, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring regional voices inform decision-making at all levels of government.”
Expressions of interest for the RDA Tropical North Board will close on 8 February.
