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Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Maxine McKew has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Northern Territory Minister for Regional Development Karl Hampton on arrangements for the Territory's new Regional Development Australia (RDA) advisory committee. "RDA NT will work across all levels of government and regional communities to help ensure regional projects remain responsive to local needs," said Ms McKew. "For the Rudd Government this is about getting the best local advice in a co-ordinated way," said Ms McKew. "As a Government we are listening to regional communities, as evidenced by yesterday's expansion of the Community Infrastructure Program, which includes immediate funding of another $1.225 million direct to the NT's local councils." "The Rudd Government has also allocated another $120 million to tender for larger strategic projects on a competitive basis." Mr Hampton said the MoU builds on an established strong relationship between the Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments in driving regional development, including Territory Economic Development Committees and local government involvement and this will continue through RDA NT. "These new committees will see the Commonwealth, Territory and local governments working even more closely to get the best possible results for our growing region." The new RDA network across Australia will build on and replace the Commonwealth Government's Area Consultative Committees (ACC) by aligning with State and Territory regional planning and consultative bodies. "I thank all those who have served on the NT's single ACC over the years for their contribution. I look forward to RDA NT building on their success and becoming a stronger voice for regional development in this unique region," said Ms McKew. Expressions of interest for RDA NT committee members were advertised publicly and closed on 7 June. Appointments are expected to be announced soon. The positions are on a voluntary basis, for periods of either two or four years. "We're looking for people with time, energy and personal commitment to represent the broad interests of the Northern Territory and work constructively across all levels of government," Mr Hampton said. When finalised the new RDA NT committee will follow on its predecessors' work in several priority areas: supporting business and economic development through Indigenous business, employment and training; and supporting communities through social inclusion initiatives. For more information on the RDA network, please refer to http://www.rda.gov.au.
Media Contacts
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Matt Pulford (
McKew's Office ) |
0434 655 781
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Richard O'Leary (
Mr Hampton's Office ) |
0401 119 586
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The Role of Regional Development Australia: To: - provide advice to both Governments about regional issues;
- provide strategic input into Australian and NT government programs;
- provide information to regional communities on National and NT government initiatives;
- help to coordinate regional planning and regional development initiatives; and
- establish links and cooperative alliances as appropriate by closely working with other regional development organisations, neighbouring RDA committees and local governments to promote regional development.
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