Development chiefs named

The new chairman and deputy of the Mid West Development Commission board have been recently announced as business owners Todd West and Kirrilee Warr.

New board member Lara Dalton has also been appointed, replacing outgoing member Christine Kerr.

Mr West said a key focus of the commission would be resources for health.

“Health is an area that has the spotlight on it at the moment,” he said. “The region is critical to the overall State health plan so we need to be set up for the future.”

The life-long Geraldton resident and chief executive of family-run business Glass Co WA said his initial role would include shaping the architecture of the new department and making sure the Mid West region was well supported and represented.

“We have already started and intend to grow Progress Midwest, which will primarily focus on bringing wealth to the region,” Mr West said.

“The mechanics and framework around this entity enables a business lead focus with government agencies.

“The result will be a collaborative concentration on taking daily action to move things ahead, not just planning.”

Mr West said efforts for the rest of his term would involve meeting deadlines for projects previously promised.

“We certainly are in a completely different space to where we were with the previous government,” he said.

“It will be all about working hard with the minister and the department to deliver on projects that are currently in the system.”

Outgoing chairman Murray Criddle delivered more than $236 million of projects during his eight-year term.

Mr West said he had big shoes to fill.

“His passion, tenacity and understanding of the political system enabled the Mid West to deliver on many great projects over his term. Without his guiding influence the region would not be in the position it is now,” he said.