New head appointed to Mid West Development Commission

Geraldton car dealer Robert Houwen is new head of the Mid West Development Commission after his appointment was officially confirmed on Tuesday afternoon

Mr Houwen — who runs Geraldton Toyota — takes over from former Main Roads WA Mid West regional manager Tim Glenister.

Mr Glenister’s appointment came in August 2020 after outgoing chairperson Todd West completed his maximum six years on the board.

Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said Mr Glenister had agreed to remain on the board as deputy chair during a transition period.

Ms MacTiernan said regional development commissions were an important mechanism for creating jobs in regional WA and diversifying the State’s regional economies.

“The Mid West continues to grow and thrive, backed by the strong performance of the region’s agriculture and mining sector and with major new opportunities emerging in renewable hydrogen, aquaculture and tourism,” she said.

“Rob is a long-term Geraldton local and his deep connection to the Mid West community will help to push forward economic development initiatives across the region.”

“I thank Tim Glenister for his service as chair at the commission and for very kindly agreeing to remain on as deputy chair for a transitional period.”

Mr Houwen is also the chair of Mid Midwest Community Enterprises Limited — which operates the Geraldton branch of Bendigo Community Bank — and he has previously served as president of the Mid West Chamber of Commerce and president of the Brigades Football Club.