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The Australian and New South Wales Governments have today announced Chairs and Deputy Chairs for the 14 NSW Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees. Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Maxine McKew, and NSW Minister for Regional Development, Phil Costa, congratulated the 28 appointees. "I look forward to working with all RDA NSW committee members on regional development issues close to their communities," said Ms McKew. "RDA NSW will be a one-stop shop across all levels of government and regional communities to promote regional initiatives and partnerships and make sure that they respond to local needs." "The Rudd Government is listening to regional communities," said Ms McKew "We have moved to cushion the effects of the global economic recession through our Nation Building for Recovery plan, which now includes more than $1 billion of spending through our Community Infrastructure Program." "This investment is being delivered where it matters most - in every local government area." Mr Costa said the establishment of RDA NSW and today's appointments mark a new beginning for regional advocacy and on-the-ground development in regional communities. "RDA committees in NSW will integrate the work of all levels of government and work to improve regional economies and amenity. "RDA committees will also assist all government agencies to focus their work on the priorities identified within their own communities." Mr Costa said outstanding members of the community had been selected for these important roles - individuals who have strong grass-roots views about their regions and are dedicated to the future of the new NSW RDA regions. "I congratulate the new Chairs and Deputy Chairs and look forward to working closely with them, and my Commonwealth counterparts, to further address the needs and strength of our regions." Both Mr Costa and Ms McKew thanked the previous members of the Area Consultative Committees and the Regional Development Boards for their work. "I urge all the new RDA committee members to build on the work of their predecessors and provide a stronger voice for their regions," said Ms McKew. The appointees are : | RDA Committee | Chair | Deputy Chair | | Southern Tablelands | Ken Prendergast | Monica Alcock | | Illawarra | Eddy De Gabriele | Roger Summerill | | Far South Coast | Robert Pollock | John Lamont | | New England /North West Inland | Kevin Abey | Kevin Dupe | | Northern Rivers | Ian Tiley | Tony Dreise | | Mid North Coast | Paul Sekfy | Elizabeth McGregor | | Hunter | Gaye Hart | John Tate | | Central Coast | John Dawson | Maree Roberts | | Greater Sydney | Alan Pendleton | Roy Medich | | Murray | Timothy Sheed | Peter Crowe | | Central West | Sandy Morrison | Gavin Priestley | | Riverina | Thomas Watson | Joseph Burns | | Orana | John Walkom | TBA | | Far West/Outback | Kym Fuller | Darriea Turley |
For more information and up to date news on RDA please go to www.rda.gov.au, www.rdcouncil.gov.au and www.business.nsw.gov.au
Media Contacts
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Matt Pulford (
McKew's Office ) |
0434 655 781
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Peter McCabe (
Costa's Office ) |
0439 707 101
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The Role of Regional Development AustraliaRDA 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 governments about regional issues;
- provide strategic input into Australian and New South Wales government programs;
- provide information to regional communities on National and New South Wales 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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