SW eyes jobs in creative sector

The South West could benefit from an expansion in the creative industries sector and then rely less on traditional industries, according to Regional Development Australia chairman Duncan Anderson.

He said the sector - worth about $350 million a year to the region - had expanded in the past decade.

Some of the advents include the National Broadband Network, the joint venture between Vue Group and the Shanghai Hippo Animation Company, and the growth of the CinefestOz Film Festival.

Mr Anderson said "significant" population growth in the next 35 years was the biggest challenge facing the region and new industries were needed to create jobs.

The emergence of creative industries was an exciting prospect and would diversity the source of the region's jobs from the resources, agriculture and services sectors, he said.

"What we don't want to do is rely on development and the creative industries are such a good opportunity," Mr Anderson said.

His comments follow a $50,000 contribution by the RDA to help fund a professional manager dedicated to seeking opportunities within the creative industries sector.

RDA and not-for-profit group Creative Corner signed a partnership deal for the manager, on top of $20,000 provided by the South West Development Commission.

Creative Corner is based in the South West and is known for organising the Emergence Creative Festival in Margaret River.

Creative Corner chairman Noah Shilkin said the support would mean the group could expand its mandate to "benefit, support and grow" creative industries in the region.