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Northern Australia consultations set agenda

Consultation meetings have been held across northern Australia in preparation for the Northern Australia Forum in Katherine on 17-20 October 2000.

The Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government, Senator Ian Macdonald, will be hosting the Northern Australia Forum which will identify the future directions for northern Australia, including economic development, emerging industry opportunities and planning for a sustainable future.

Each region held two local consultations.

The first meeting explained the process and started discussions on what the Northern Australia Forum should cover, including local priority issues.

The second meeting was held 2-3 weeks later in the same location to discuss more detailed priorities for discussion at the Northern Australia Forum, and to provide the opportunity to make a presentation directly to the Minister.

The series of consultations across northern Australia began in April this year and finished in August.

Local Government representation has been high at all the local consultations. Other attendees have included business organisations, health and education groups, Area Consultative Committees, as well as other interested environment, indigenous and industry representatives.

Some State/Territory and Federal Government agencies and Federal and State MPs have also attended.

Senator Macdonald said significant issues arising from the local consultations have included infrastructure, particularly roads and transport, telecommunications and access to new technologies, power and water.

Other matters high on the agenda were the changing economy, equity of access to health and education services, taxation reform, native title and access to finance for new businesses.

Attendance at the Forum in Katherine will be by invitation and include around 150 representatives drawn from each local consultation chosen by the region.

Delegates will participate in themed workshops covering infrastructure, tourism and arts, trade opportunities and exports, sustainable development, health, education and information technology and the role of the three spheres of government.

The Northern Australia Forum and local consultations are being organised through the Regional Forums Section of the Department of Transport and Regional Services.

For further information please contact Des Harris on (02) 6274 8063 or visit the Forum website at www.dotrs.gov.au/regional/northern_forum/

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