Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan has announced former City of Mandurah mayor Paddi Creevey has been appointed chairwoman of the Peel Development Commission.
Ms Creevey will replace outgoing chairman Paul Fitzpatrick who has served in the role since 2014.
“People in the Peel know Paddi and know the energy and passion she brings to her community,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“Tackling high unemployment rates in the Peel region through our government's job-creating projects like development of the Nambeelup business park will be a key focus for Paddi and the commission.
“The state government also recognises the significant contribution of outgoing chairperson Paul Fitzpatrick.”
Ms MacTiernan said Ms Creevey lived in Dawesville, had served as Mayor of the City of Mandurah from 2005 to 2013 and would help drive the government’s economic development agenda in the Peel region.
Ms Creevey would also take the helm of the Transform Peel project, which has been heralded by the state government as a long-term solution to the region’s economic unemployment.
She has served on the boards of Regional Development Australia, the Peel Regional Planning Scheme, the Coasts and Climate Change Council and the Peel Community Development Group.
Ms Creevey has been awarded the Centenary Medal, the Order of Australia Medal and was inducted into the WA Women's Hall of Fame in 2011.
Mr Fitzpatrick thanked the staff at the Peel Development Commission during his tenure.
“There have been remarkable and exceptional milestones and achievements during this time, but none so significant to me as securing Transform Peel for our region,” he said.
“My involvement with the genesis of the program – an industrial park at Nambeelup – began way back during my time as President of the Shire of Waroona.
“I am so pleased to see the vision of the project come to fruition as Transform Peel; I always believed it needed innovation and technology as well as the strong foundations of agricultural and water initiatives which integrate the projects.”