Regional Development Australia

Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a partnership between the Australian, state and territory and local governments to support the growth and development of Australia's regions. RDA committees will build partnerships between governments, regional development organisations, local businesses, community groups and key regional stakeholders to provide strategic and targeted responses to economic, environmental and social issues affecting the regions of Australia. The national RDA Charter sets out the areas of focus for the RDA network.

RDA is delivered through a national network of 55 committees. All RDA committees have now been announced and many are open for business.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the States and Federal Governments was signed in March 2009. It states that the RDA will:

* Provide advice to government about regional issues;

* Provide strategic input into National and State programs;

* Provide information to regional communities and local government on National and State government initiatives.

* Help to co-ordinate regional planning and regional development initiatives;

* Work closely with local governments and other regional organisations.

The RDA Charter, Memorandum of Understanding and RDA Committees can be located at http://www.rda.gov.au

RDACC commenced operation on 1 July 2009, and is located in the offices of the former BCC at the University of Newcastle, Ourimbah campus, in the Business Incubator.