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The Australian and Tasmanian Governments have today announced the members of the new Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tasmania committee. The announcement marks the beginning of a new relationship between the federal, state and local governments in Tasmania which will benefit regional communities. The RDA Tasmania committee will have the role of being a first point of contact for regional communities across all levels of government and will promote regional initiatives and partnerships. Mr John Klug, a Community Liaison Officer with Brighton Council, has been appointed the Chair of the committee, while the CEO of Anglicare Tasmania Inc., the Right Reverend Dr Chris Jones is the Deputy Chair. Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Maxine McKew and Tasmania's Economic Development Minister, Michael Aird, today congratulated all those appointed. They are: | Mr | John | Klug | Chair | | Rt Rev Dr | Christopher | Jones | Deputy Chair | | Mr | Warren | Butler | | | Ms | Louise | Clark | | | Ms | Shandell | Elmer | | | Ms | Kym | Goodes | | | Mr | Kenneth | Lawrie | | | Mr | Paul | Lan | | | Ms | Heather | McGee | | | Ms | Lisa | Nelson | | | Ms | Phyllis | Pitchford | | "I look forward to working with the RDA Tasmania committee members on regional development issues that are close to their communities," Ms McKew said. "The Rudd Labor Government is listening to regional communities and responding to local needs. "We have moved to cushion the impact of the global economic recession through our Economic Stimulus Plan, which now includes more than $1 billion for the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. "This investment is being delivered in every local government area." Mr Aird said the establishment of RDA Tasmania and today's appointments mark a new beginning for regional advocacy and on-the-ground development in regional communities. "The immediate priorities for RDA Tasmania include supporting business and economic development in areas such as broadband uptake, education and skills development," Mr Aird said. "It will also focus on community and regional planning to improve access to health, transport and other services. "The RDA committees will integrate the work of all levels of government and act as local champions to improve regional economies. "The challenges Tasmanians face will only benefit from this holistic approach to economic development." The appointments follow the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on RDA Tasmania by Ms McKew, Mr Aird and the Local Government Association of Tasmania in June 2009. Ms McKew and Mr Aird thanked the previous members of the Area Consultative Committee for their work. "I urge all the new RDA committee members to build on the work of their predecessors and provide a strong voice for their regions," Ms McKew said. The Parliamentary Secretary and the Minister also thanked all those who applied for the RDA committee positions. For more information and up to date news on RDA visit www.rda.gov.au.
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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