Jump to Content
small fonts normal fonts large fonts

Regional Development Australia Frequently Asked Questions

What is Regional Development Australia?

Regional Development Australia (RDA) is an Australian Government initiative that brings together all levels of government to enhance the growth and development of Australia's regions.

[ TOP ]

How can RDA assist my region?

A network of RDA committees has been established throughout Australia to provide a strategic framework for economic growth in each region.  The key functions that underpin the role of the national network of RDA committees are:

  • support informed regional planning;
  • consult and engage with the community on economic, social and environmental issues, solutions and priorities;
  • liaise with governments and local communities about government programs, services, grants and initiatives for regional development; and
  • contribute to business growth plans and investment strategies, environmental solutions and social inclusion strategies in their region.

The network provides input to Australian, state, territory and local governments on regional development issues and priorities; promotes regions to secure sustainable long term jobs; promotes investment and regional prosperity; and raises awareness of programs and services available to regional communities.

[ TOP ]

Why are there different RDA models in different states and territories?

RDA is a collaborative approach between the Australian state, territory and local governments. Arrangements in each state and territory reflect the needs of each region and will ensure that the benefits of RDA are maximised. In developing the models for each state and territory, the Australian Government considered the outcomes of consultations held with the community on RDA arrangements.

All RDA committees operate under a national RDA Charter. This Charter sets out the objectives of RDA and is supported by other governance documents detailing the roles and responsibilities of RDA committees.

A national reporting framework ensures consistency of outcomes achieved by the network, regardless of state or territory arrangements. RDA committees report to the Australian Government on key outcomes which are related to the key functions listed above. Activities undertaken under those outcomes can vary depending on the nature of the region and its priority issues.

[ TOP ]

Do state and territory government have positions on the RDA committees?

Given that RDA is an Australian Government initiative designed to bring together the regional development activities of the Australian, state, territory and local governments, representatives from the Australian, state and territory governments may attend committee meetings as observers. RDA committees include members with local government experience. State and territory government employees are eligible to apply for positions on RDA committees but, if successful, would be appointed in a personal capacity.

[ TOP ]

Are there still state or territory regional development organisations?

Alignment of the Australian Government and state or territory regional development organisations varies in each jurisdiction. State and territory regional development organisations in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT have joined with RDA committees. State and territory regional development organisation in Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory will remain as parallel networks, though working closely with RDA committees.

[ TOP ]

What do RDA committees do?

RDA committees:

  • develop regional plans which describe the region, its attributes, industry and employment base and key advantages. The plan should also set out the economic, environmental and social vision for the region, articulate the drivers of change, identify strengths, weaknesses and opportunities, and list priorities for action;
  • provide advice on funding opportunities available to regional communities from the Australian and state governments;
  • contribute to planning processes with other regional stakeholders;
  • conduct workshops to build the skills that businesses and community organisations need such as succession planning for small organisations, developing governance skills, writing successful grant submissions and contract management;
  • research particular issues or areas, identifying issues and driving change;
  • develop and implement solutions that address the region's needs;
  • hold regional forums onkey issues affecting their regions; and
  • help the region to attract new industry and investment.

[ TOP ]

How do I join Regional Development Australia?

RDA committees are made up of community champions working together to develop their regions. You can submit an expression of interest (EOI) either through the public EOI process or through a causal vacancy process.

The Australian Government is accepting nominations to fill casual vacancies from people with the capabilities and expertise to contribute to the development and growth of regional Australia. These nominations will be considered for casual vacancies as they arise. Nominations through the public expression of interest process will also be considered for appointment to a casual vacancy.

Interested members of the community can apply to fill these casual vacancies by completing the attached Expression of Interest form found on the Working with RDA page.


Print 
Last Updated: 31 May, 2010