Regional Development Australia Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula Inc has appointed Mr Alex Todd as Economic Development Manager - Whyalla.

Alex Todd has been appointed to the position to ensure that the key aims and objectives of the Board are maximized in the Whyalla area, particularly in light of the existing and emerging mining and manufacturing initiatives and to establish a focus on renewable energy into the future. The region has the potential to provide 30% of the national renewable energy target by 2020, with an estimated generation of 2000 MV through wind, solar and wave energy. Whyalla has the potential to be the manufacturing hub for the renewable energy sector.

During the last seven years Alex has worked in the private sector as a Management Consultant, gaining extensive knowledge and experience in accessing Government funding on behalf of businesses and organizations for significant investments in regional economic and community infrastructure projects. His skills include marketing, business management and relationship management. In his previous role as a Regional Manager for AusIndustry, Alex was involved in assisting businesses in the Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula region to identify and access Government industry programs. During this period Alex developed sound working relationships both with businesses and economic development agencies operating in the region.

Alex’s familiarity with the region has helped him understand its dynamics, particularly with regard to the city of Whyalla, which is the largest industrial city in regional South Australia and positioned as South Australia’s mining and educational services hub.

With the impending expansion of BHP at Roxby Downs, Whyalla is well placed to utilise this opportunity and become the State’s regional manufacturing, mining and educational service centre by having access to industrial land, underpinned by the availability of housing and a skilled workforce to cater for these future demands.

Alex’s well developed commercial management experience and previous senior management roles in the private and public sector will provide a sound base on which to maximise all opportunities that become available to ensure enhancement of existing industries and attraction of investment, that will drive the economic diversification and sustainable future of Whyalla.

This region has one of the most exciting futures in regional South Australia with the next five years being of significant importance in achieving collaboration and to have well planned investment into critical infrastructure that will drive the future prosperity and diversification of this region’s economic base.

Alex will be a welcome addition to the RDAWEP Team, commencing his appointment in the Whyalla office on Monday 21 November 2011.

Contact:

Mark Cant

CEO

RDA- Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula Inc

Ph 0428 826 588