Comments Off

By admin, November 27, 2009

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRUCTURE IN AUSTRALIA
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Committees have been established under the aegis of the federal Department of Infrastructure. The role of the new RDA network is outlined below in an extract from the RDA web site: RDA Australia 

What is Regional Development Australia?
Regional Development Australia (RDA) is an Australian Government initiative that aims to bring together all levels of government to enhance the growth and development of regional Australia.

Role of the RDA
The RDA network is being established throughout Australia to provide a strategic framework for economic growth in each region. There are four key functions that underpin the role of the national network of RDA committees:

• provide advice on consultation and community engagement;
• regional planning;
• promoting whole-of-Government programs, policies and initiatives; and
• community and economic development.

The network will ensure that input is provided to the Australian, State and Local Governments on regional development issues and priorities; promote regions to secure sustainable long term jobs; promote investment and regional prosperity; and raise awareness of programs and services available to regional communities.
The network will also play a key role in ensuring that advice about key issues in the regions is provided to all levels of government.

It is expected that the RDA network will coordinate closely with state regional development agencies and with local government.

Progress of RDA committee establishment
Northern Territory: On 11 August, the RDA committee for the Northern Territory was announced.  To read more and access the list of appointees click here.  Other media releases and the pdf documents of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Australian and Northern Territory Governments can be accessed through the RDA (NT)  link .

Western Australia: On 25 August, Parliamentary  Secretary McKew signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the WA Minister for Regional Development  and Lands, The Hon Brendon Grylls.  Click here to access the media release and pdf  MOU and maps showing the proposed WA RDA  boundaries.

Queensland: On 29 October, 12 newly incorporated RDA committees based on local government boundaries were announced, .  Click here for the list of committee members, MOU and  map of RDA boundaries.

OFFICE OF NORTHERN AUSTRALIA
The federal government has also established an Office of Northern Australia (ONA) within the Department of Infrastructure which provides policy advice to the Government on sustainable development issues in, or affecting, northern Australia. Read about ONA at Office of Northern Australia