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The Commonwealth and Western Australian governments have reached agreement on a new regional advocacy body, Regional Development Australia (RDA), delivering a stronger voice for WA's regions. Today in Perth, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development, Maxine McKew, and WA Minister for Regional Development, Brendon Grylls, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing the RDA network in WA. "RDA marks the beginning of a new relationship between the federal, state and local governments on regional development," said Ms McKew. "The RDA WA committee will be the first point of contact for regional communities in accessing government programs, and will take an active role in promoting regional initiatives and partnerships." "Members of RDA WA will join their counterparts around the country working across all three levels of government to help ensure regional projects are focussed on local communities' needs like building jobs and investment." Minister Grylls welcomed the agreement, which will see the Area Consultative Committee (ACC) network in WA transition to become eight RDA committees and an advisory body for Perth. "It makes sense for all governments to work together in the best interests of regional communities and I welcome the Commonwealth's commitment to constructive engagement with state and local government in our state." The RDA committees will be located in the Goldfields Esperance region; the Great Southern region; the Kimberley; Mid West Gascoyne; Peel; Pilbara; South West; and Wheatbelt regions. Mr Grylls said WA's existing Regional Development Commission (RDC) boards would develop agreements with RDA committees at the regional level on their respective roles and opportunities for collaboration. To enhance the integration between the two networks up to two RDC board members will be invited to be part of each RDA committee. "The importance of this Memorandum of Understanding is that it provides the first overarching agreement between regional development bodies in WA," said Ms McKew. "The signing of this MoU for RDA WA completes the national RDA network, one of the Rudd Government's election commitments," said Ms McKew. Ms McKew said the Rudd Government would soon call for expressions of interest for RDA committee positions including chairs and deputy chairs. "Membership will be sought from a wide cross section of the community." "RDA committee members will be volunteers with local experience in business and industry, community development, health, education and local government." Mr Grylls urged Western Australians with a passion for their region to apply. For more information and up-to-date news on RDA please go to www.rda.gov.au.
Media Contacts
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Matt Pulford (
McKew's Office ) |
0434 655 781
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Chris Morris (
Grylls' Office ) |
0488 904 791
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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 all levels of governments about regional issues;
- provide information to regional communities on federal government initiatives and programs;
- help to coordinate regional planning and regional development initiatives; and,
- establish links and cooperative alliances as appropriate by working closely with regional communities, other regional development organisations including the WA Regional Development Commissions, neighbouring RDA committees and local governments to promote regional development.
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