THE use of local labour and material will be one of Australia’s priorities in its approach to infrastructure development in the Pacific. And it will draw on local expertise to build skills and experience in the region’s workers. “I call this the double economic dividend,” Australia’s Pacific Minister, Pat Conroy, said at an infrastructure conference here. “You can count on us to fund projects that are built by local workers, and you can count on us to support your local priorities. I ask you this, ‘Can a development partner be genuine, if they don’t trust your workers to build your infrastructure?’ “We want to continue growing global content, and infrastructure projects that we find.’’ Conroy said Australia had provided $AUD11 million to the Solomon Islands National Transport Fund to cover repairs, maintenance, and upgrades in key areas. “Every single project under this fund will be delivered by a Solomon Islands company,” Conroy said. “This will not only support local companies to thrive, but you’ll also create local jobs and provide local income to be spent in the Solomon Islands.” He said Australia was aware that infrastructure projects created employment which was critical to the economic development of small island economies. Australia has provided investment in Palau’s electricity network to improve system reliability and allow for greater use of renewable energy. This will help reduce Palau’s dependence on fossil fuel. “This is just one example of how we’re supporting the region’s transition to renewable energy and building clean energy industries across the Pacific.”