ENTREPRENEUR Andrew Griffiths heads the newly formed Far North Queensland and Torres Strait Regional Development Australia Committee appointed by the Australian and Queensland governments.

He heads a board of 14 from throughout the region.

The RDA replaces the Far North Queensland Area Co-ordinating Council, which brought an estimated $ 37.2 million in direct federal funding to the region.

The committees were disbanded when Labor came to power two years ago and were supposed to be replaced by the RDAs in March last year.

One of the reform measures outlined in the New Deal, the Relief, Recovery and Reform Plan was announced by Advance Cairns, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce last week.

Federal Member for Leichhardt Jim Turnour said the 14 people would play an important role in advancing regional development opportunities in Far North Queensland.

“I am pleased to see representation from a range of areas across the Far North region, including Cairns, Cooktown, Weipa, the Torres Strait, Tableland and Innisfail,” he said.

Mr Turnour said the new RDA signalled the start of a new State and Federal government partnership to create a network to work with and grow the regions in Queensland.

“It is great to see some fresh faces on board with the RDA,” Mr Turnour said.

“Clearly, it is a difficult time for the local community as we recover from the global recession but the knowledge and experience of the new members, who come from different walks of life, will offer a fresh approach as we move forward.

“I’m confident they are well prepared to help tackle the challenges we face in this part of regional Australia and capitalise on the opportunities that arise.

Excerpt from The Cairns Post

Next Wednesday Andrew will be appearing live on Good Morning in New Zealand. He will talking about his latest book, the ME MYTH. For more information visit – GOOD MORNING