About Gulf Savannah Development Inc. – General Overview
The forerunner of Gulf Savannah Development, the Gulf Local Authorities Development Association or GLADA, was established in the 1970s. It was created by the shires of Burke, Carpentaria, Croydon and Etheridge to coordinate lobbying activities aimed at improving the provision of services to the Gulf Savannah region. A key objective at that time was the sealing of the highway between Cairns and Normanton to provide better access to the region. Improvement to the existing beef road infrastructure remains a priority.
The name of the organisation is now Gulf Savannah Development Inc. or GSD, comprising local government members (Carpentaria, Croydon, and Etheridge) in addition to corporate and associate members. The organisation liaises with the indigenous communities of Kowanyama, Gununa (Mornington Island), and Doomadgee and GSD is working towards development of alliances with other Shires and organisations that have common interests or are contiguous.
GSD was involved in the formulation of the Gulf Regional Development Plan, which now forms the planning blueprint for the region.
GSD principles of Operation
Since its inception in 1975 the responsibilities and modus operandi of the organisation have been:
Role
- To be a high profile point of contact for the Gulf Savannah region
- To lift the profile of the Gulf Savannah region and disseminate information to raise awareness of issues, concerns, needs and values
- Develop alliances, partnerships and networks which work towards advancing the interests of the Gulf Savannah region and improve quality of life and delivery of services for all residents and stakeholders
- Identify and pursue opportunities for development, enhancement and diversification across the region in all areas – economic, social, cultural environmental, political
- Lobby all relevant groups, individuals to gain benefits for the Gulf Savannah region and all residents and stakeholders.
- Assess/evaluate government programs as they impact on the region
Principles
The values that will govern how GSD will go about its business:
- Service excellence
- Reliable information delivery
- High level of achievement
- Teamwork in the best interests of the community
- Support for our communities and people
- Protection of our environment
- Community safety
Vision and Strategic Goals
Regional Vision
By 2010 the Gulf Savannah will be recognised nationally as:
A dynamic place where people want to live, with a growing economy and infrastructure, celebrating cultural diversity and innovation and offering a healthy, safe environment and lifestyle and an environment enhanced and valued for its unique qualities
Our Vision For Gulf Savannah Development Inc.
By 2010 Gulf Savannah Development will be:
A financially secure and dynamic organisation, the chief point of referral
for governments, industry and community on all economic and regional
development, social, political and cultural aspects of the Gulf Savannah
region and representing all Gulf interests/cultures.
