[L-R] Hon Dr John McVeigh MP, Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government, Carol Cashman (Chair, RDA Sunshine Coast), Jason Law (Deputy Chair, RDA Sunshine Coast)
Our Chair Carol Cashman, Deputy Chair Jason Law, and Director Regional Development Phil Harman attended the RDA National Forum in Canberra from 15-17 August. The Forum was a great opportunity to network with peers and to learn what has worked in other regions. Best practise examples included RDA Perth that have been building the case for value adding to energy metals from Western Australia under the “Lithium Valley” banner and the Inland Queensland Roads Action Project – a collaboration of 49 partners including 33 local governments, eight Regional Roads and Transport Groups, five RDA Committees, the NQ RDA Alliance, the South-West Regional Economic Development organisation and RACQ
The National Forum was opened by the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP, the then Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government, who spoke about the Federal Government’s commitment to strong local economies, high quality services, particularly in health and education and active and engaged communities. The Forum addressed issues including Facilitating Trade and Investment, Evidence-based Policy Advice and how to build effective partnerships.
To capitalise on the opportunity of being in Canberra, the RDA Sunshine Coast delegation travelled down a day earlier to meet with Ministers, MPs and advisors. This was a good opportunity to advocate to decision makers on Sunshine Coast priorities and to also learn about upcoming Government programs.