The state’s Regional Development Trust has appointed Brendan Hammond as chairperson to help drive job-creation in regional areas.
Regional Development minister Alannah MacTiernan announced Mr Hammond would take up the position to provide advice to the government as focus is shifted from Royalties for Regions to creating long-term jobs in the regions.
Ms MacTiernan said Mr Hammond’s experience in project delivery in both the private and public sectors would be beneficial to the Development Trust, ensuring funding is allocated effectively.
“Brendan will focus on local content and Aboriginal procurement to ensure Royalties for Regions is spent in a way that delivers real economic outcomes for regional Western Australia,” she said.
Mr Hammond, who has experience in both the mining and energy sector, is also chairperson of the Pilbara Development Commission and received the Governor’s Award for Regional Development at the state’s Citizen of the Year Awards in 2011.
The Regional Development Trust provides independent advice to the Regional Development Minister on the application and management of the Royalties for Regions program.