Deputy Prime Minister reiterates importance of regional partnerships at RDA National Forum

Regional Development Australia (RDA) held its forum on Wednesday this week themed 'Working Together to Strengthen Economic Growth', which was officially opened by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Warren Truss. The forum saw the Chairs, deputy Chairs and Chief Executives of all 55 RDAs attend the two-day event in Canberra.

In opening the event, the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated the importance of partnerships and effective regional planning in securing the growth and prosperity of Australia's diverse regions. He particularly encouraged regional leaders like the RDAs and local government to work closely with both the public sector and private sector to capitalise on the strengths and advantages of their regions.

As ALGA President, I also addressed the forum, speaking of the need to enhance and build on the close working relationships between RDA's and councils. While acknowledging that local government is already playing a key role in many RDAs across the nation, I nevertheless reinforced the need for RDAs to build on the strategic and operational plans that councils and other levels of government have developed over the years.

An announcement was also made regarding the new  RDA Chair and Deputy Chair appointments in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory earlier this year. The new national RDA Reference Committee was also announced, with the appointment of Dr Jennifer Clearly from SA RDA Far North as the Chair.

Further information on RDA Committees is available at www.rda.gov.au.