REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA
Your thoughts... Let's discuss

The Australian Government is heading in a new direction and would like your input… The proposed new national structure, Regional Development Australia, and the new Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program will be developed based on the outcomes of community consultations and feedback. Therefore, this is your chance to let the Government know what your want!

The Australian Government recently announced its commitment to supporting regional Australia.With this came the announcement that the Government would be establishing a national body to be known as Regional Development Australia (RDA) which will build on and replace Area Consultative Committees (ACCs).

RDA will take on a broader role than that of the current ACCs. It is proposed that each RDA Committee will be responsible for providing strategic input into national programs, improving the coordination of the Government’s regional development initiatives and working closely with local Government bodies and other regional organisations.

Before the transition from ACCs to RDA Committees takes place, the Australian Government would like to ensure that all issues are addressed by developing a more streamlined and collaborative approach. Advice is being sought in regards to the following:

The proposed role of Regional Development Australia

• Advise on community infrastructure;
• Advise on regional issues and opportunities;
• Advise on local implementation of specific Commonwealth initiatives in the region, as requested;
• Facilitate economic development planning and investment attraction;
• Identify and unique local attributes that would favour the development of new and innovative industries;
• Promote initiatives to retain and expand skills, local businesses and industries;
• Disseminate information about Commonwealth programs;
• Undertake ad hoc consultation on behalf of Federal agencies where a regional network is required;
• Advise on adequacy of service delivery in regions;
• Build networks and relationships with other levels of government and key stakeholders in the region;
• Advise on government on social inclusion issues; and
• Advise on ways to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and coordination of Commonwealth regional initiatives.

Your thoughts… Let’s discuss

• What are your views on the proposed role of Regional Development Australia?
• How should your local RDA Committee be structured?
• What region do you think the new Regional Development Australia Committee should represent?
• How do you think the Government should best engage with communities and regional organisations?
• What important changes do you wish to see in a new regional funding program?
• How do you view the services provided by Central Murray ACC?

The Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program

The announcement of a new Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP) was made as part of the Australian Government’s new direction for regional Australia.

This new program, to be funded in the 2009-2010 federal budget, will replace the Regional Partnerships and the Sustainable Regions programs. It is proposed that the new program will deliver major investments in regional and local community, recreational and environmental infrastructure initiatives. Local government and not-for-profit projects will have access to the funding program.

The Government is committed to ensuring that the RLCIP is developed properly, reflecting the needs of regional communities. There are a number of principles and priorities that need to be considered in the development of a new program. Hence, the Government would like you to consider and provide feedback on the following issues:

• Should the program target specific communities or regions?
• What types of organisations should be eligible for funding?
• What ways of distributing funding should be considered?
• What decision making processes should be considered in the assessment of applications?
• What do you think are the merits of funding rounds versus a continuous application process?
• Should there be a partnership approach to funding models?
• How can links be made to the future direction of particular regions?
• How will your community determine the level of priority for projects?
• How would you rate your community’s capacity to be involved in different stages of the program?
• What are your overall expectations of the new program?

Join us at a Community Roundtable in your area to have a say

Your valuable feedback will be delivered to the Government in a report prepared by Central Murray ACC, detailing the regional priorities and preferences as determined by you.

How to register

To register your attendance online please click here.

For email registrations please send your name, organisation/group, contact details and the location of the community roundtable you would like to attend to caroline.kennaugh@cmacc.com.au

To register by phone please contact the Central Murray ACC office on (03) 5480 2353.