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Regional and rural Victorians will play a key role in determining the future growth and development of their home towns and cities following today's appointment of 82 people to serve on Victoria's Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees. Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Maxine McKew, and Victorian Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan, have welcomed the appointees to the nine RDA committees. "This is the first time regional development has been approached in such a direct and cooperative manner across governments," said Ms McKew. "RDA Victoria will be the central point of contact across all levels of government and regional communities to promote regional initiatives and make sure that they respond to local needs." Ms Allan said the establishment of RDA Victoria and today's appointments mark a new beginning for regional advocacy and strengthens on-the-ground development that is already happening in regional communities. "RDA committees in Victoria 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." Ms Allan 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 Victoria and the new RDA Committees. Ms McKew said the Rudd Government is listening to regional communities. "We have moved to cushion the effects of the global economic recession through our Nation Building-Economic Stimulus Plan, which now includes more than $1 billion of spending through our Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP)." "This investment is being delivered where it matters most - in every local government area." Ms McKew and Ms Allan congratulated the new Chairs and Deputy Chairs and said they look forward to working closely with them to strengthen their regions. The appointees are : | RDA Committee | Chair | Deputy Chair | | Barwon South West | Bruce Anson | Ed Coppe*
Peter Dorling* | | Grampians | Joanne Bourke | Michael Tudball | | Loddon Mallee | Jenny Dawson | Stuart McLean | | Hume | Hayley Cail | Jim O'Connor | | Gippsland | Richard Elkington | Angela Hutson | | Northern Metropolitan | Bob McQuillen | Anne Badenhorst | | Southern Metropolitan | John Bennie | Faith FitzGerald | | Eastern Metropolitan | Peter Chaffey | Kaele Way AM | | Western Metropolitan | Bill Jaboor | Prof. Elizabeth Harman | (*Co-Deputy Chairs) An induction for the Chairs and Deputy Chairs is taking place in Melbourne tomorrow. Details on the remaining committee membership, RDA coverage maps, and more information are all available at www.rda.gov.au.
Media Contacts
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Matt Pulford (
McKew's Office ) |
0434 655 781
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Shaun Inguanzo (
Allan's Office ) |
0417 555 480
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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 input to governments on regional issues;
- provide strategic input into Australian and Victorian Government programs;
- help to coordinate regional planning and regional development initiatives;
- provide information to regional communities on Australian and Victorian government initiatives; and,
- work closely with other regional development organisations, RDA committees and local governments to promote regional development.
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