The South West is the most popular regional tourist destination in Western Australia. 
Major coup for culture and the arts
It's amazing what can be achieved when people and organisations work together.
Just look at what was gained for Bunbury and the region when the South West Development Commission worked with local governments to attract funding for the expansion of the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre.
Our combined efforts paid off when Premier Colin Barnett visited Bunbury earlier this month to announce $7.47million in Royalties for Regions funding for the $9.97million project.
The expansion will enable the regional facility to stage a more diverse range of events. It will also allow it to accommodate conferences, functions and meetings.
Working in partnership for the good of the region is something the Commission actively promotes. We regularly partner with communities, government, business and industry to identify and support projects that benefit the South West.
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Want to know what the South West Development Commission is planning for the future of the region?
Take a look at our newly-released Strategic Plan 2010 - 2025, which lists the outcomes we are working to achieve for the benefit of the region.
These outcomes range from the establishment of specialist medical units to support health care provision in the region, to better mobile phone coverage to improve public safety along the region's highways.
To achieve our vision, we will be working with local governments and other organisations to develop projects that will make the South West an excellent place to live, work and invest.
For more on the Strategic Plan 2010 - 2025, please visit the South West Development Commission's website.
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The opportunities and challenges the agricultural sector is expected to face over the next 20 years will be the focus of the South West Development Commission's next Critical Horizons seminar.
To be held in Manjimup on May 5, the event will see a number of experts explore the topic 'Where is Agriculture Heading in the Next 20 Years?'
Speakers will include farmer and former deputy premier Dr Hendy Cowan, Slow Food Southern Forests leader Sophie Zalokar, food marketing expert David Hughes, and author and journalist Julian Cribb.
The event will be officially opened by Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman.
For more information about the event or to register, visit www.criticalhorizons.com.au .
Don Punch
South West Development Commission CEO
April 2011