27 May 2014
ABC News
The Pilbara Regional Council says it is formulating a strategy to lobby for a special economic zone to be implemented in northern WA, to attract more investment to the region.
The zone, which is also supported by Kimberley groups like the Broome Chamber of Commerce, means tax incentives and offsets will be offered to businesses willing to invest in the north.
The Federal Government has shown support for the idea and is considering it under its ‘developing northern Australia’ white paper.
The council’s Tony Friday says a special economic zone will open up the floodgates for a wide variety of businesses to set up shop in the Pilbara and Kimberley.
“That will truly open up doors for investment into the Pilbara, looking at alternate industries and new investment initiatives,” he said.
“At the moment, doing business in the Pilbara can be tough but a combination of the State Government’s Office of Inward Investment and a special economic zone, that’s two very powerful tools for encouraging foreign direct investment into the Pilbara region.”
Courtesy of ABC News