$20.3M To Strengthen The RDA Network

A further $20.3 million in funding will be provided to strengthen the Regional Development Australia (RDA) network over the next four years. The additional funding will support the national network of 55 RDA committees to engage with their communities and provide advice to all levels of government.

The investment to the RDA’s is an addition to the $15 million provided annually to the regional network and the $4 million funding boost for 2010 – 11 to strengthen the network and boost localism. These strong RDA committees are engaging with local communities to maximise economic growth, flexibility, diversity and resilience.

The $20.3 million will be available for:

• Special projects where RDAs work together to find a solution - building on the model of the Murray-Darling Basin where extra funds were provided to 11 RDA committees in the Basin to assist with greater community engagement.
• Expansion of the Northern Territory RDA to include an office in Alice Springs to service the southern part of the Territory.
• Expansion of the Tasmania RDA so it can employ an extra project officer to help meet demands from across the State.
• Enhance community engagement and consultation and improve regional planning.
• Improve community and economic development and enhance awareness of government programs that benefit local communities.

For more information, visit http://www.rda.gov.au/