For Blue

Whilst the future of effective aquatic resource management will always be challenging, where there are challenges there will also exist opportunities. The Australian Seafood Industry has long understood the nexus which exists between environmental sustainability and economic sustainability as our businesses are fundamentally tied to robust and healthy oceans.

This helicopter view approach to identification of wider issues and addressing them via a collaborative approach should bring benefits to the social and economic fabric of WA via better understanding, preservation and development of natural capital considerations.

For Blue is an incredibly timely and important thought piece on future economic development opportunities facing Western Australia. The report clearly articulates the role/s that the Indian Ocean, and the cities and countries that surrounding it, may play in realising ongoing prosperity for our communities.

Our rich history of growth through commodity exports has meant that Western Australia's economic development community can be biased towards initiatives that enhance our commodity export capabilities and competitiveness. It is refreshing to read a different perspective, that focuses on the needs of our closest neighbours, and the socioeconomic roles that Western Australia may play in meeting these needs for mutual benefit.

I highly recommend the report and encourage further examination of the opportunities contained within.

For Blue deals with one of the most pressing issues facing the world in our current century. Simultaneously, an essential element for our existence, a source of inspiration and cultural identity, a resource that feeds, transports, unifies and divides us, the oceans are an element of our biosphere that literally sustain our social, economic and cultural lives.

For Blue identifies these contexts a consider a range of tangible propositions for how we can inspire sustainable change to tackle these issues.

For Blue has exposed the City to innovative thinking about the City’s future economic development role. The for Blue report is assisting key officers in reframing traditional perspectives and realise new opportunities to explore. Such discussions may result for example in an innovative economic development pilot program of which is likely to pick up on the themes and propositions discussed in For Blue.

The City hopes such thought processes will directly result in actions that ultimately promote sustainable economic development decision making and assist innovators, businesses and investors across the City. Thanks to Andrew and his team for the exciting informal discussions had so far.