Every five years since 2013, Regional Development South Australia (RDSA) has coordinated across the state’s Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees to bring together a report on infrastructure prioritisation for regional South Australia. 

Recognising the importance of infrastructure investment that responds to genuine needs and opportunities, the report seeks to inform and encourage public and private investment in the infrastructure projects that RDA committees believe will drive real and lasting benefits for South Australia’s regions. Working in partnership with the Australian Government, the South Australian Government and the Local Government Association of South Australia, RDSA brings together the seven regionally-based RDA committees in South Australia, as well as RDA Adelaide Metropolitan. 

This approach supports the consideration of issues in a broader way than project-by-project or region-by-region. By coming together, the RDA committees are able to share knowledge and identify opportunities to drive joined-up action that leverages better outcomes across the state. The infrastructure prioritisation report exemplifies a coordinated approach in action. While it captures key infrastructure priorities for each of South Australia’s regions, it backs in the importance of considering projects collectively. 

For example, one project can create an opportunity for efficiencies or coordination with another project – and individual projects can also create challenges for other projects or in other regions. The RDSA infrastructure priority report makes an important contribution to place-based, coordinated, locally-informed and transparent infrastructure investment decision making.

Learn more: 2023 RDSA Infrastructure Prioritisation report

This case study is also published in the State of Australia’s Regions 2024 report.