“Successful, internationally competitive regions have three key characteristics. They’re great places to live, they have excellent career opportunities and they have strong vibrant economies” (WRS 2007:3).
The WRS identified eleven projects which were seen as being key mechanisms by which to achieve the goal of having a successful and internationally competitive region. These projects comprise the ‘good regional form’ aspects of the strategy. Good regional form means ensuring the physical arrangement of urban and rural communities are linked together by strong city and town centres. Having well-integrated transport systems, good quality urban design, a network of open spaces and recreational amenities are the things that contribute to our quality of life.
Of the eleven project areas identified in the WRS, five were progressed as priority projects. These are Broadband, Industrial Land, Open Spaces, Urban Design and developing a Genuine Progress Index for the region. For each project, a working group was established with representatives from each of the region's councils, along with representatives from a range of organisations. Each working group determined the priority issues facing the region, where the focus of attention should be, and what actions were needed to address those.
The other projects were handled differently. These projects include Centres, Intensification, Subdivision Design Guides, Rural Residential Development, Regional Focus Areas, Affordable Housing and Integrating Transport and Urban Needs.
