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Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Maxine McKew has welcomed an agreement with state and local governments in Tasmania on arrangements for the state's new consultative body Regional Development Australia (RDA). Ms McKew today signed a Memorandum of Understanding on RDA Tas with Tasmania's Treasurer and Minister for Economic Development Michael Aird and the Local Government Association of Tasmania. "The move to state-based RDA committees is about creating a one-stop shop for local communities," said Ms McKew. "For the Rudd Government it is about getting high-level advice in a co-ordinated way." "RDA Tas has a brief to work across all levels of government and regional communities to promote regional initiatives and partnerships that respond to local needs," said Ms McKew. "The Rudd Government is committed to listening to regional communities, as evidenced by yesterday's $220 million expansion of the Community Infrastructure Program, which includes almost $3.2 million more funding, direct to Tasmania's local councils." "I thank all those who have served on the Area Consultative Committee over the years for their contribution. I am confident that RDA Tas will build on the success of the previous ACC and become a stronger voice for regional Tasmanians." When finalised the new RDA Tas committee will follow on its predecessors' work in several key priority areas: supporting business and economic development in areas like broadband uptake, education and skills; and community and regional planning to improve access to health, transport and other services. Mr Aird said the Tasmanian Government has an excellent working relationship with RDA Tas, as it did with its predecessor the ACC, with one of its officers stationed in the Department of Economic Development and Tourism's Hobart office. "Tasmania has only one RDA in the state but through a strong co-operative approach between the State Government, the Local Government Association of Tasmania and RDA there will be good synergies and coordination in delivering strong regional development and economic outcomes," Mr Aird said. "The challenges Tasmanians face will only benefit from this holistic approach to economic development," said Mr Aird. "We welcome the Commonwealth's further positive engagement with local government in Tasmania, which comes on top of the extra funding for the Community Infrastructure Program." said Mayor Barry Easther, the Acting President of the Local Government Association of Tasmania. Expressions of interest for RDA Tas committee members closed on 7 June and appointments are expected to be announced soon. The positions are on a voluntary basis, for periods of either two or four years. "I look forward to working closely with RDA Tas and other government partners to get in place practical regional programs that support local communities," Ms McKew said.
Media Contacts
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Matt Pulford (
McKew's Office ) |
0434 655 781
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Sue Bailey (
Aird's Office ) |
0417 550 279
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Allan Garcia (
Easther's Office ) |
03 6233 5972
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The Role of Regional Development Australia RDA is an Australian Government initiative that brings together all levels of government to enhance the growth and development of regional Australia. RDA will: - provide advice to both Governments about regional issues;
- provide strategic input into Australian and Tasmanian government programs;
- provide information to regional communities on Australian and Tasmanian government initiatives;
- help to coordinate regional planning and regional development initiatives; and
- establish links and cooperative alliances with other regional development organisations, neighbouring RDA committees and local governments to promote regional development.
For more information on the RDA network, please refer to www.rda.gov.au
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