Extra focus will be put on growing the economy and creating jobs under a shake-up of Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees, The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has announced.
The Gippsland RDA committee will be tasked with proactively targeting and negotiating with private companies, not-for-profits and governments of all levels to bring more jobs and investment to the region.
Mr Chester said the Gippsland RDA already played an important role in economic development by setting the agenda for Commonwealth investment.
“The Gippsland RDA’s focus will be broadened under these changes to help communities make the most of government and private investment that is available,” Mr Chester said.
“It is important that our region can determine its own future, and explain to governments what our priorities are.
“The other important role of the Gippsland RDA is to better coordinate across three levels of government – federal, state and local – and look for opportunities for co-investment in local projects.”
The changes come following an Australian Government review of RDAs by the Hon Warwick L Smith AM.
A new role of Director of Regional Development will be created for Gippsland. That person will be tasked with spearheading efforts to attract investment and jobs to the region.
“Often it can be confusing for people to navigate the different levels of government when seeking co-investment. That’s why it is so important to have an expanded scope for the RDAs,” Mr Chester said.
Funding for RDA committees will be extended until December 31, 2020.
The independent review into the RDA program and the Australian Government response can be found at: www.regional.gov.au