New regional development structures getting underway

The new era of regional development taking place across the nation will take another important step forward in South Australia.

Regional Development Australia is the new, nationwide system for community economic development involving representative boards (RDAs) in each region that align with all spheres of government.

There will be eight RDAs in South Australia. And as the new system comes into effect here, Regional Development Minister Paul Caica will this morning meet with the new RDA embracing the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island.

“This region will be the first in South Australia to complete the amalgamation of former Regional Development Boards to fully integrate their new RDA Board,” he said.

“I look forward to the formalisation of this amalgamation this morning as the RDA meet for the first time as an integrated entity.

“The first RDA to get underway in South Australia has been in the Barossa region where there was no need for any amalgamations to take place. And we are shortly expecting this to occur with the Far North region’s RDA.

“I warmly congratulate these regions, their Councils and former Regional Development Boards, for their proactive and positive approach to facilitating Regional Development Australia in their regions.

“I’m very pleased to announce that the RDAs in all South Australian country regions have now had their first meetings as they move towards becoming fully established and complete the amalgamations of multiple Regional Development Boards.

“Regional Development Australia will focus the collective efforts of all spheres of government - Local, State and Federal - to better align our priorities for the development of our regional communities,” Mr Caica said.