More than 250 delegates from Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member nations came to Darwin to attend the 2nd Annual OECD meeting of Mining Regions and Cities.
The meeting, held at the Darwin Convention Centre, focussed four main themes:
- Productivity and diversification
- Quality of life and well-being
- New models of partnership between the private sector and local communities
- Subnational governance and fiscal arrangements.
Delegates have been discussing ways to enhance the productivity and well-being of cities and regions with a major presence of mining and extractive industries. There was also a special focus on mining and extractive industries and regional development in South East Asia and innovative partnerships between Indigenous communities and the mining industry.
Attracting investment is key to ensuring opportunities abound for cities and regions. As does ensuring that benefits flowing from these projects remain within local communities and are truly capitalised upon.
“Benefits of mining activities are nationally and globally, but policy responses need to be designed regionally and locally,” said Mr Enrique Garcilazo, Head – Regional and Rural Development unit, OECD.
Hosting this meeting places Northern Australia at the forefront of global conversations regarding cutting edge approaches in regional development, models for inclusive growth and benefit sharing across stakeholders involved in energy and mining industries.
Department of the Chief Minister Chief Executive Jodie Ryan said this meeting provides a significant opportunity to showcase industry capability, innovation and opportunity. And with a truly global reach, opens up important linkages for local businesses to build their connections and grow their footprint both within Australia and the world.
“Delegates not only engaged in policy discussions regarding leading practice in regional development but were treated to a business lounge that showcased the ingenuity and depth of cultural, social and economic opportunity in the Territory,” Ms Ryan said.