04 May 2020

APPEA today joined a chorus of Australian businesses throwing their support behind the nation’s regional communities, with APPEA Chief Executive Andrew McConville an inaugural member of the newly formed Regional Australia Council (RAC2031).

The Council has been formed by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) to help shape the future of Australia’s regional towns and using collective knowledge across many sectors to transform our regions.

This new initiative was the first of its kind, bringing together its founding members from across corporate Australia to address the many opportunities that lie ahead for regional Australia.

“I sincerely congratulate RAI for hosting a successful first RAC2031 meeting where we addressed employment opportunities available in regional communities now and in the future,” Mr McConville said.

“APPEA is delighted to stand alongside the founding members of this Council to promote regional Australia and the benefits of these regions.”

“Australia’s oil and gas industry is underpinned by the number of regional towns and communities in which we operate. Across the country, the industry employs 80,000 people – directly and indirectly – many of whom live in regional centres.”

“Our projects are all located in regional Australia, and the industry engages with regional communities, employing local people, using local supply chains and working with community groups to ensure these towns grow and thrive.”

RAC2031 will meet four times a year, and meetings will be guided by four key focus areas: jobs, population, liveability and leadership. The Council outcomes will help to RAI’s Region Rising 2031 Vision. More information about RAI can be found here Download PDF

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