The federal government has backed the work of the Regional Development Australia Network in driving economic development and growth across regional Australia.
Assistant Regional Development Minister Nola Marino said the government's was committed to the RDA Network, including RDA Logan and Redlands under a new 4.5 year funding agreement and refreshed charter.
RDA Logan and Redlands will continue to play an important role
- Nola Marino
"RDA Logan and Redlands will continue to play an important role supporting the economic recovery of the region as it emerges from COVID-19 and the effects of bushfires and drought," she said.
"RDAs are a highly valued and respected network of volunteers and staff who drive economic development in our regions and provide critical intelligence back to the Australian government about key issues impacting local communities," Mrs Marino said.
The network involves 52 RDAs across Australia, including the Indian Ocean Territories and Norfolk Island. RDAs work with all levels of government, business and community groups to support economic and workforce development, local procurement, and strategic regional planning.
RDA committees are made up of passionate and dedicated local leaders with broad xperience, including from local government, business, community and the not-for-profit sectors.
A refreshed RDA Charter will emphasise greater alignment across all levels of government and regional planning that identifies strategic long-term investment priorities.
Australia's regions are diverse, although they also face many similar challenges. RDAs network, share information and collaborate across the country to develop solutions that can be adapted across the country.
The government's commitment to regions will be further enhanced by redirecting the role of metropolitan RDAs in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth to focus on working with regional RDAs in their state to identify and connect regions with decentralisation and economic development opportunities coming out of the capital cities.
Regional Australia and RDA committees will play a role as the economy emerges from COVID-19.
The new funding agreement and revised charter will provide a strong basis for this work. For more information go to infrastructure.gov.au and rda.gov.au