This Australian Government’s vision for regional Australia is one of strong connected regions that shape economic growth and wellbeing; are resilient and responsive to economic shocks; and are inclusive, vibrant and diverse. Regions that our First Nations people have every opportunity to engage in and shape, and where people, business and investments thrive.

The RDA initiative brings together all levels of government and is funded by the Australian Government and by state, territory and local governments in some jurisdictions.

RDAs report through to the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP who was appointed in May 2022. The RDA program is administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

There are 50 Regional Development Australia (RDA) Committees across Australia made up of local people creating local opportunities.

Regions are incredibly diverse, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach – the government and RDAs are working with each other to solve the challenges and harness place-based opportunities.

Our network shares information and collaborates to develop innovations and solutions that can be adapted across the country to help grow Australia’s regions.

RDA committee members are passionate and dedicated local leaders who act as an effective conduit across government, industry and with the community to support the development of their regions. They bring a broad range of experiences, including from local government, the private sector, the community and not-for-profit sectors.

The RDA network is a vital link between regional stakeholders and all three levels of government. Our RDA committee members act as real-time advisers to government on critical regional development issues, opportunities and challenges in their regions. RDAs are critical to the delivery of the Australian Government’s vision for regional Australia and support the implementation of the Regional Investment Framework.

Our national network provides regional intelligence to inform policy and the implementation of regional programs, information campaigns and grant funding opportunities.