Boarding Call for Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program

Media release: Assistant Minister for Regional Development

The Australian Government has opened Round 12 of the Report Airstrip Upgrade (RAU) Program, with up to $25 million available to upgrade airstrips in remote Australia.

The RAU covers up to 50 per cent of project costs, capped at a maximum of $4 million for eligible works. For Indigenous owned or operated aerodromes that meet eligibility guidelines, grants may cover up to 100 per cent of eligible project works.

Works may include safety improvements such as resealing or re-sheeting aircraft pavements, lighting, fencing, aviation safety training or basic airside ambulance and passenger shelters.

RDA Stakeholder Survey

The RDA Stakeholder Survey is now open. This survey is an important reporting and evaluation activity. It helps all RDAs, including RDA Riverina, better understand how effectively we're engaging across our network and with community, business and government stakeholders. It also helps the Department identify where its own program management processes could be improved. The project is again being managed by independent research firm ARTD Consultants artd.com.au.

We'd love for you to complete the survey and share it with your own networks, committee members, staff and stakeholders across our region. It takes around 10 to 15 minutes. See link below.

 The survey closes at 4pm (AEST) on Monday 21 September 2026. For more information, contact manager@rdariverina.org.au. All responses are kept strictly confidential, individual and organisation responses are never identified in reporting.

We appreciate your time and participation.

Putting more roofs to work

Media release: Minister for Climate Change and Energy

The Australian Government is helping businesses, farms and community organisations cut energy costs and strengthen Australia’s energy security by slashing the cost of installing medium-sized solar systems by around 20 per cent.

The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) will be expanded from 100kW to 1MW, allowing businesses, farms and community facilities to install solar systems up to ten times larger, better matching their energy needs and unlocking the potential of large commercial rooftops.

This reform will unlock more rooftop solar for the missing middle – helping more businesses take up solar and shield their energy bills from volatile global energy markets. Lower energy costs will improve productivity and competitiveness across manufacturing, agriculture, retail, transport and logistics, with benefits flowing through to households using those goods and services. 

$50 million in funding open for active transport

Media release: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

The next funding round of the Active Transport Fund is now open, for new or upgraded bicycle and walking pathways across Australia.

After establishing the program as an ongoing measure in the 2026-27 Budget, the Australian Government is delivering $500 million in new funding over ten years, with $50 million delivered every year.

This application-based, merit-assessed program is open to all state and territory governments as well as local councils.

The funding aims to deliver safer active transport networks that promote healthier, more liveable communities.

This will build on the $100 million for more than 80 active transport projects already funded nationwide.

Successful projects include new walkways, bicycle paths and shared pathways, along with supporting upgrades such as new signage, speed bumps, kerb ramps and drainage improvements.

$200 Million in Local Roads Funding Open for Applications on September 1

Media release: Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories

A new funding round of the $200 million per year Safer Local Roads Infrastructure Program (SLRIP) will open to states and territory governments and local councils on 1 September 2026.

The Safer Local Roads Infrastructure Program is one of the Australian Government’s flagship roads funding programs, which addresses current and emerging priorities in the nation’s road infrastructure needs.

SLRIP is one of several initiatives that have received increased funding as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to invest in safer and more productive roads nationwide. That includes doubling in funding under the Roads to Recovery program, the boosting of the Black Spot Program to $150 million per year and the reversal of the previous government’s freeze on highway maintenance funding.

Survey | Industry Innovation Across the Agriculture Sector

RDA Riverina is working with Charles Sturt University to identify innovation across the agriculture sector, services and supply chain throughout the Riverina and Murray regions.

We are seeking information about businesses and organisations across the Riverina Murray region that may be developing innovative projects, adopting new technologies, improving processes, or exploring new ideas. It does not matter how large or small the innovation is, or what stage it is at. Whether it is an idea in development, a new product or service, or an established initiative delivering positive outcomes, we would like to hear about it.

The information collected will help build a better understanding of innovation occurring across the region, showcase local success stories, and identify opportunities to support future growth and collaboration. Participation will contribute to a broader picture of the strengths and capabilities of our local industries.

Businesses, organisations and individuals are invited to complete the short survey via the button below.

RDA Riverina represented at NSW and ACT regional development meeting

Brett Stonestreet, Chair, RDA Riverina, and Patricia Wilkinson. Deputy Chair, RDA Riverina

On Tuesday, 4 August 2026, a meeting of New South Wales and ACT RDA Committee Chairs and CEOs was held at Parliament House in Sydney. The RDA Riverina Committee was represented by myself as Chair, the Deputy Chair, Patricia Wilkinson, and Acting CEO Amanda Cappello.

During the meeting, Anna Guillan AM was re-elected as Chair and Rowena Abbey OAM was re-elected as Deputy Chair.

The meeting provided an important opportunity to raise regional priorities directly with fellow RDA leaders, Australian Government representatives and NSW Government decision-makers. It also reinforced the value of the RDA network in presenting a coordinated regional perspective on matters that extend beyond individual council and regional boundaries.

A major focus of discussion was the future of Inland Rail and the consequences of the suspension of construction north of Narromine. Representatives received a presentation from Port of Newcastle Executive Manager Corporate Affairs Lucas Coleman concerning the potential economic and freight impacts of the suspension.

Inland Rail remains critically important to regional NSW, particularly for agricultural producers, manufacturers and exporters seeking efficient and competitive access to domestic and international markets.

The meeting also considered an update on the joint RDA submission concerning Inland Rail and received a Commonwealth Government briefing on the administration and future direction of the national RDA program.

Other matters included the work being undertaken by metropolitan RDAs, workforce and skilled-migration initiatives, including the RDA Orana Designated Area Migration Agreement, and preparations for the National RDA Forum to be held on 16 and 17 November 2026.

We also welcomed the opportunity to hear from the Hon. Ryan Park MP, NSW Minister for Health and Regional Health. Access to health services, workforce shortages and the long-term sustainability of regional health systems remain significant issues for communities throughout the Riverina and other regional areas in New South Wales.

The Minister's participation enabled RDA representatives to discuss regional challenges and emphasise the importance of solutions that respond to the circumstances of individual communities rather than applying a uniform metropolitan model.

Following the meeting, a function titled Friends of Regional NSW was held at NSW Parliament House.

The function brought together RDA New South Wales and ACT chairs, deputy chairs, chief executive officers, and approximately 30 political leaders, including several Ministers, and senior New South Wales Government departmental staff.

The Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW, the Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC, delivered the keynote address.

Minister Moriarty welcomed those present and highlighted the importance of the relationship between Regional Development Australia organisations and the NSW Government.

The Minister acknowledged the numerous programs and projects delivered by RDAs across NSW and highlighted the success of the Welcome Experience program, which has now been extended across all local government areas in regional NSW.

The Welcome Experience assists essential workers and their families to settle into regional communities by helping them access local services, networks and information. Its expansion reflects the positive results achieved through collaboration between government, RDAs and regional communities.

A six-minute video produced by the RDA Network was also presented during the evening. The video highlighted a selection of successful projects and initiatives delivered by the NSW RDA Committee network during the past 12 months.

The function provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen relationships with Ministers, parliamentarians, departmental representatives and colleagues from across the RDA network. These relationships are important in ensuring that regional priorities are understood and considered in government policy, investment and program delivery.

RDA Riverina will continue to advocate for infrastructure, services and policy settings that enable our region to grow, attract investment and provide strong employment and lifestyle opportunities.

Participation in meetings and events of this kind ensures that the Riverina's interests are represented in discussions with both levels of government and that our regional priorities form part of the broader state and national development agenda.

Images courtesy of Regional NSW & ACT by Camera Creations: L-R: Amanda Cappello, Acting CEO, RDA Riverina, The Hon, Tara Moriarty MLC, NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, and Brett Stonestreet, Chair, RDA Riverina

Brett Stonestreet, Chair, RDA Riverina, and Patricia Wilkinson, Deputy Chair, RDA Riverina

Images courtesy of Regional NSW & ACT by Camera Creations

Images courtesy of Regional NSW & ACT by Camera Creations: The Hon, Tara Moriarty MLC, NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW

Images courtesy of Regional NSW & ACT by Camera Creations

Committee Meeting

Plumpton Road Upgrade Traffic Impacts

Works on Plumpton Road

Motorists and residents of Wagga Wagga are being advised to prepare for changed traffic conditions as part of Wagga Wagga City Council’s Plumpton Road Upgrade Project, with road closures scheduled to commence from Monday, 3 August 2026, weather permitting. The works from part of the major $66 million upgrade project, which includes the duplication of Plumpton Road, intersection improvements and enhanced supporting infrastructure.

The first stage of the construction will require the closure of Plumpton Road south of the Lloyd Road intersection and Aspen Road intersection with Plumpton Road from early August until approximately November 2026. These works are part of a staged construction program that will continue along other sections of the corridor in the coming months.

As construction progresses, road users can expect a range of temporary traffic changes, including lane closures, reduced speed limits, temporary traffic lights, stop/go traffic management and, in some locations, full road closures. Council is encouraging motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to allow extra travel time and use alternative routes where possible.

Giving Australian Music a Push in Schools

Minister Media Release: Minister for the Arts

The Australian Government is backing the next generation of music fans, artists, and industry workers with new support for youth music events and career development opportunities across the country.

The Push - Australia’s music charity for young people - will receive $400,244 through the Revive Live Program to deliver its high school tour and careers workshops, building on two highly successful events in the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria in March 2026.

The program will now expand nationally, reaching up to 12,000 students through six high school music events across New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Tasmania and South Australia.

The expansion will ensure every state and territory hosts a dedicated high school youth music event.

$32 Million to Help Turn Forest Waste into Jet Fuel

Minister Media Release: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

Australian-made jet fuel produced from forest waste is a step closer to powering flights, thanks to a $32 million investment from the Australian Government, making our fuel supply more resilient and less vulnerable to overseas shocks.

Through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the Government is providing $32 million to help develop HAMR Energy’s project to turn forestry residues to jet fuel.

ARENA’s funding is in two stages, with $12.5 million available for the early Front End Engineering Design phase, and a further $19.5 million subject to HAMR Energy securing the necessary co-funding to commence the detailed design phase.

The project aims to use forest wate to produce renewable methanol in Australia, which can then be converted into sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel and other low-carbon liquid fuels.

Improving Mobile Connectivity on Australia’s Regional Roads

Minister Media Release: Minister for Communications, Minister for Sport

The Australian Government is investing $30 million to boost mobile coverage on regional and remote roads, through the National Regional Roads Australia Mobile Program.

The program will fund projects that improve multi-carrier mobile coverage on highways and major roads, providing mobile connectivity at strategic locations such as rest areas and truck stops, campgrounds, service centres, EV charging stations and viewing platforms.

Better mobile coverage in these areas will improve access to services and critical information during emergencies or natural disasters, keep motorists and workers connected as they travel through regional areas, and support the tourism, agriculture and freight industries.

Northbound Sheahan Bridge Replacement at Gundagai

Minister release: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

A new bridge on the existing alignment has been identified at the preferred option for replacing the ageing northbound Sheahan Bridge (in southwest New South Wales), pending further design and environment assessment.

Planning work to replace the ageing northbound Sheahan Bridge on the Hume Highway at Gundagai has taken a step forward, with building a new bridge in the same location identified as the preferred option following detailed investigations.

The Australian Government has committed $16 million, with the NSW Government contributing $4 million towards planning and investigations to replace the northbound bridge. The replacement would safely accommodate larger, more productive freight vehicles along Australia’s busiest road freight corridor while improving safety, reliability and travel efficiency for everyone using the highway.

Have Your Say on the South West Renewable Engery Zone Community and Employment Benefit Program

Communities across the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) are being invited to help shape the new Community and Employment Benefit Program, with consultation now open. The program aims to invest in projects and initiatives that create lasting benefits for communities hosting renewable energy and transmission infrastructure.

The NSW Government has announced an initial investment of $60 million to support communities within the South West REZ, helping to deliver new opportunities, local jobs and long-term regional benefits. EnergyCo is seeking feedback from community members, local councils and First Nations groups on how the program should be designed and delivered.

Ways to get involved:

• Complete the community survey and provide feedback on the program’s design and delivery.

• Join the Online Webinar at 12pm on Monday, 3 August 2026 to learn more about the program and ask questions.

• Attend a community drop-in session in:

  • Hay at the Hay War Memorial Hall, Tuesday 11 August, 9am to 12pm

  • Coleambally at the Community Hall, Wednesday 12 August, 3pm to 6pm

  • Balranald at the Senior Citizens Centre, Wednesday 19 August, 8:30am to 10:30am

  • Darlington Point at the Darlington Point Grocer, Thursday 20 August, 10:30am to 1:30am

To learn more and register for the survey please use the button below

Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2026: 50 Years of Deadly

RDA Riverina proudly recognises NAIDOC Week 2026, celebrating the history, cultures, achievements and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. National NAIDOC Week is observed annually in July and provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn, reflect and celebrate First Nations culture and leadership.

This year’s theme, “50 Years of Deadly” , marks a significant milestone, honouring five decades of celebrating First Nations voices, culture, resilience and achievement.

We encourage our communities across the Riverina to take part in local events, support First Nations businesses and creators, and learn more about the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Multicultural NSW Settlement Hub

Credit: Multicultural NSW

Multicultural NSW has recently launched the NSW Settlement Hub - a new online resource designed to support people from refugee and refugee-like backgrounds as they build their lives in New South Wales.

The Settlement Hub brings together trusted information and services in one place, making it easier to navigate everyday life in a new community.

The platform covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Health and wellbeing

• Education and employment

• Housing and community servides

• Transport and daily life in NSW

• Language support and the legal system

It also includes resources in multiple languages, along with videos and real-life stories from people who have settled in NSW, helping users feel informed, connected and supported.

RDA Riverina Board Meeting in West Wyalong

L-R: Steve Hutchins, Club Inn, West Wyalong, Grant Baker, General Manager, Bland Shire Council, Brett Stonestreet, Chair, RDA Riverina, Mark Hillis, Board Member, RDA Riverina, Holly Brooks, Councillor, Bland Shire Council, Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director, RDA Riverina, Sue Molyneaux, Board Member, RDA Riverina, Ray Willis, Board Member, RDA Riverina, Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager, RDA Riverina, Marina Uys, Tourism and Admin Officer, Bland Shire Council

The RDA Riverina Board recently met in West Wyalong, with members welcomed to Bland Shire for the May 2026 meeting.

Hosted by Bland Shire Council, the meeting provided an opportunity for Board members to gain a stronger understanding of local priorities, strengths and opportunities.

The Board welcomed the opportunity to meet with Bland Shire Councillors and senior staff, including representatives from the Visitor and Economic Growth Committee, who shared valuable insights into local priorities and opportunities within the shire.

The Board also explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration with Bland Shire Council, including ways to connect local priorities with current RDA Riverina programs and initiatives.

The Chair acknowledged the importance of engaging directly with communities across the Riverina, noting the value of the discussions and the strong sense of local leadership within Bland Shire.

Holding meetings across different locations remains a key part of RDA Riverina’s approach, ensuring local perspectives are reflected in the organisation’s work and advocacy across the region.

Bland Shire Staff and RDA Riverina Board discussion

Bland Shire Council and RDA Riverina Board discussion

The Welcome Experience expands to support local government workers across Regional NSW

L-R: Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development, Regional Development Riverina, Dr Fasila Poolakkal, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, The Hon, Tara Moriarty MLC, NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, and Jayadev Ajayakumar, Local Connector, RDA Riverina

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina welcomes the NSW Government’s continued investment in strengthening regional workforce attraction and retention through the expansion of The Welcome Experience program.

In April 2026, the NSW Government announced a major expansion of the program, increasing its reach from 55 to 88 local government areas across regional NSW from July 2026, further strengthening support for essential workers and their families relocating to the regions.

Today, the Government has also announced an important extension of the program’s eligibility to now include local government workers, recognising the critical role councils play in delivering essential community services such as road maintenance, town planning, engineering, childcare, waste services and community programs.

Since its launch in 2023, The Welcome Experience has already supported more than 3,020 essential workers and their families to relocate to regional NSW, helping address workforce shortages across key sectors including health, aged care, education, policing, emergency services and veterinary services.

The program provides free, place-based support through dedicated Local Connectors, assisting new and incoming workers with:

• Housing and accommodation pathways

• Schooling and childcare options

• Community connections, sporting groups and local networks

• Employment opportunities for partners

• Practical support to settle into regional life with confidence

A recent Local Government Workforce Skills and Capability Survey highlights the importance of this work, with more than 90% of councils reporting skills shortages and 66% experiencing impacts on service delivery due to vacancies and workforce gaps.

Riverina Welcome Experience has already supported more than 308 essential workers and their families in our region over the past years. Our region has already seen strong impact through the program, previously supporting workers across Temora, Tumut, Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Leeton, with expansion now extending coverage to additional local government areas including Coolamon, Lockhart, Junee, Snowy Valleys, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Hay, Narrandera, Murrumbidgee, Carrathool and Bland.

The expansion is expected to further strengthen regional communities by improving workforce attraction, supporting retention and ensuring essential services continue to be delivered across the Riverina.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said the program ensures new staff and families feel supported from day one, helping them not only move to regional areas but stay and build their lives there. Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig also highlighted the importance of council roles in shaping liveable, thriving communities.

RDA Riverina acknowledges the significance of this expansion and the continued commitment to supporting regional workforce sustainability, community wellbeing, and long-term regional growth.

RDA Riverina Board Meeting

Back L-R: Brett Stonestreet, Chair, Ray Willis, Board Member, David Bardos, Board Member, Front L-R: Patricia Wilkinson, Deputy Chair, Sue Molyneaux, Board Member Melanie Reeves, Board Member, Isabel Dye, Board Member, Mark Hillis, Board Member

The RDA Riverina Board met in Narrandera on 24 March 2026 for its Board meeting, with members extending their thanks to Narrandera Shire Council for hosting and sharing local insights.

As part of the visit, Board members undertook a tour of the Red Hill Industrial Precinct, providing first‑hand insight into local infrastructure, industrial development, and future growth opportunities within the shire. The tour supported informed discussion and helped ground Board considerations in local context.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review organisational priorities and discuss matters relevant to the Riverina. The Board remains focused on effective governance and supporting outcomes that benefit communities across the region.

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NSW Government Announces Expansion of The Welcome Experience Program

L-R: Dr Fasila Poolakkal, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, The Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC, NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, and Jayadev Ajayakumar, Local Connector, RDA Riverina

In April 2026, the NSW State Government announced a major expansion of its essential worker attraction program, The Welcome Experience, increasing the program’s reach from 55 to 88 local government areas across the state from June. The expansion aims to strengthen the attraction and long‑term retention of essential workers in rural and regional New South Wales, helping communities address workforce shortages and maintain vital services.

Since launching as a pilot program in 2023, The Welcome Experience has supported more than 3,000 essential workers and their families to relocate to regional NSW. This free, place‑based program provides tailored support for workers considering or accepting roles in sectors such as: health, aged care, education, policing, emergency services and veterinary care.

Participants receive on‑the‑ground assistance to navigate the challenges of relocation, ranging from housing, schools and childcare, introductions to community networks, sporting groups and employment opportunities for partners. This approach helps essential workers feel welcomed, supported and connected from day one, increasing the likelihood they will settle long term and build their lives in regional communities.

The impact of the program was highlighted during a recent visit to Wagga Wagga by Minister for Regional New South Wales, The Hon. Tara Moriarty, who saw first-hand how The Welcome Experience is supporting essential workers in the Riverina. 

The Minister was welcomed by Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of RDA Riverina, Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager at RDA Riverina, Jayadev Ajayakumar, Local Connector, and Dr Fasila, an essential worker who recently relocated to Wagga Wagga to commence work at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital through the program.

During the visit, Dr Fasila shared her experience of transitioning from Toowoomba to Wagga Wagga and spoke about the comprehensive support she received through The Welcome Experience. She highlighted the value of pre‑arrival information that helped her understand what to expect before moving, as well as ongoing assistance as she settled into the community. Dr Fasila noted that this support allowed her to focus fully on her professional responsibilities in the Emergency Department, while confidently managing the practical aspects of relocation and community integration.

Local Connector Jayadev Ajayakumar also provided the Minister with insights into the program’s wider regional impact, outlining how The Welcome Experience supported more than 150 essential workers across the Riverina last year. By helping workers and their families transition smoothly into their new roles and communities, the program plays a key role in strengthening essential services across the region.

Minister Moriarty acknowledged the importance of the program and its outcomes, noting the positive difference it makes for both essential workers and the communities they choose to call home. She praised the program for delivering practical, locally focused support that not only attracts workers to regional NSW but helps them stay long term.

In the Riverina, The Welcome Experience previously serviced Temora, Tumut, Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Leeton. With the expansion rolling out from June 2026, coverage will extend to include Coolamon, Lockhart, Junee, Snowy Valleys, Cootamundra‑Gundagai, Hay, Narrandera, Murrumbidgee, Carrathool, and Bland.

This expanded footprint is expected to have a significant impact on the attraction and retention of essential workers across the Riverina, strengthening local services, filling vacant positions and supporting the long‑term resilience and wellbeing of communities throughout the region.

L-R: Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development, Regional Development Riverina, Dr Fasila Poolakkal, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, The Hon, Tara Moriarty MLC, NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, and Jayadev Ajayakumar, Local Connector, RDA Riverina

L-R: Dr Fasila Poolakkal, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, The Hon, Tara Moriarty MLC, NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, and Jayadev Ajayakumar, Local Connector, RDA Riverina

RDA Riverina at Parliament House - Productivity Inquiry

Robyn Verrall, Chair, Regional Development Australia, Limestone Coast, and Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development, Regional Development Australia Riverina at Public Hearing

On Friday 24 April 2026, Rachel Whiting (CEO and Director of Regional Development, Regional Development Australia Riverina) appeared at a public hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Productivity at Parliament House, Canberra.

The submission reinforced that regional productivity needs to be understood as “system performance” — shaped by the interaction of workforce availability, housing supply, freight connectivity, water security, digital connectivity and enabling infrastructure.

Key messages highlighted the Riverina’s binding constraints, including workforce shortages, workforce housing pressures, freight capacity and reliability issues, and water security risk — alongside the importance of ensuring major opportunities (including the energy transition) deliver net benefits for regions without crowding out essential services and local industry.

Thank you to the committee for the opportunity to contribute to this national conversation on productivity and the policy settings that support regional Australia.