News

Minister's Statement about Regional Development Australia (Mar 08)

The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP announced on 20 March 2008 that as foreshadowed in the Governments key regional election commitments, Area Consultative Committees (ACCs) would provide the basis for the creation of Regional Development Australia (RDA).

ACCs will therefore over the next 6 months transition to become local Regional Development Australia committees which will be formalised from the 1st January 2009.

Regional Development Australia will have a broader, more strategic role than previously, and may not be involved in generating project proposals.

Minister's Statement about Regional Development Australia

To clarify RDA’s role and operation, the Minister has requested that ACCs undertake broad consultations with a variety of agencies to determine how the Australian Government might best engage with local communities and their stakeholders in the regions.

The Minister has advised that the future role of RDA may comprise the following activities:

  • Building networks and relationships with government and key regional stakeholders
  • Advising on community infrastructure
  • Advising on regional issues and opportunities
  • Facilitating economic development planning and investment attraction
  • Identifying local attributes that would favour the development of innovative industries
  • Promoting initiatives to retain and expand skills and local businesses and industries
  • Advising government on social inclusion issues
  • Advising on adequacy of service delivery
  • Advising on ways to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and coordination of Commonwealth regional initiatives.
  • Advising on implementation of specific Commonwealth initiatives in the region
  • Undertaking ad hoc consultations on behalf of Federal agencies where a regional network is required
  • Disseminating information about Commonwealth programs

Survey on Transition to Regional Development Australia (July 08)

In order to provide the Federal Government with the feedback that it requires, South East Development (SED) is undertaking a process of consultation with stakeholders from state and local government, education and training, industry and business, social services, employment services, infrastructure and the utilities.

Please print and complete the following, short, Questionnaire and fax back to
SED on 03 9793 6566
.


Minister's Statement about Regional Development Australia, Questionnaire