Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hume undertook an extensive engagement program with 12 local councils and Alpine Resorts Victoria to build a shared understanding of economic development priorities across the region, identify barriers, and align RDA Hume’s advocacy and strategic focus with federal, state, local and regional needs.

Through a series of structured interactions RDA Hume sought to strengthen partnerships and gain insights to inform future planning, funding alignment, and regional advocacy efforts.

Regional economic development in the Hume region is shaped by a wide array of local priorities and systemic barriers. Achieving regional cohesion in planning and advocacy requires a consistent understanding of what matters most across each Local Government Area (LGA). Historically, alignment across councils, regional partnerships, and state government bodies has been challenged by differing priorities, communication gaps, and evolving economic conditions.

RDA Hume met directly with Councillors, executives, and staff from 12 local councils, along with the CEO of Alpine Resorts Victoria. The engagement strategy focused on:

• Capturing local and regional economic development priorities
• Identifying barriers to development
• Building a shared understanding of purpose across key regional stakeholders
• Establishing a clear communication channel between RDA Hume and each council.

RDA Hume distilled insights into two categories: local themes and regional-level themes and barriers, to inform their Local Government Engagement Plan.

This has already delivered tangible outcomes through:

• The establishment of clear economic development priorities for each LGA
• Strengthened relationships between RDA Hume and local government stakeholders
• Creation of a live database of priority projects to support advocacy and funding alignment
• Enhanced alignment between RDA Hume, Regional Partnerships, and Regional Development Victoria (RDV)
• Informed strategic planning for the 2025/26 business cycle.

In addition, this work has laid the foundation for regular, ongoing engagement with each local council, ensuring a dynamic and responsive approach to emerging regional needs.