The Territory Government recognises the importance of Central Australia to the Territory's recovery efforts and has today announced the membership of the Central Australian Economic Reconstruction Committee (CAERC).
The CAERC will provide advice to the newly created Minister for Central Australian Reconstruction on creating jobs, attracting investment including in remote communities, and ensuring priority economic projects are fast-tracked. The CAERC will work with and complement the Territory Economic Reconstruction Committee (TERC) and Team Territory.
The CAERC will operate up to 24 months in order to strengthen collaboration between government, business, industry and landholders. As well as fast-tracking existing projects in tourism, construction, mining and human services, the CAERC will also be looking at new industries which includes aerospace, renewable energy, creative, and manufacturing.
All members are leaders and trusted experts in their fields.
The CAERC membership includes:
- Dale Wakefield – Chair, Central Australian Economic Reconstruction Committee
- Danial Rochford – CEO, Tourism Central Australia
- Neil McLeod – Chair, Chamber of Commerce – Central Australia
- Justine Petrick – Local businesswoman
- Chris Neck – Local businessman
- Paul Ah Chee – Local businessman
- Steve Brouwer – Local businessman
Several major projects that the CAERC will be prioritising and fast tracking to help accelerate Central Australia's economic rebound and growth include:
- National Aboriginal Art Gallery
- Alice Springs CBD Revitalisation
- Alice Springs Seniors' Lifestyle Accommodation Project
- Alice Springs Health Accommodation Development
- Central Australian Renewables Strategy
- Heavitree Gap Shared Pathway
- Industrial Precinct Development
- Larapinta Residential Development
- Alice Springs Hospital Car Park (Stage 1)
- Stage 2 Development: Asia Pacific Aircraft Storage Aircraft Storage and Part-out Facility
- New Home for Rugby Codes
- Mutitjulu and Yulara Futures
- Outback Way Development
- Alice Springs Sporting Precinct
Minister Wakefield will be officially sworn in as the Minister for Central Australian Reconstruction on 9 June, 2020.
As noted by Member for Braitling, Dale Wakefield
"Many Central Australians and businesses are doing it tough. We have taken critical action with the establishment of the Central Australian Economic Reconstruction Committee.
"Quick wins and long term structural change are both needed to create jobs now and to refocus the Central Australian economy on long term growth.
"The CAERC met for the first time this week and is already providing advice to Government about growth opportunities and ensuring that important economic rebound projects are prioritised and fast-tracked."
