Media Release from The Hon Nola Marino MP: RDA Riverina supporting communities during Covid-19

Richard Allsopp, Chair of RDA Riverina

The Australian Government commends the outstanding work of RDA Riverina in supporting the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Led by Chair Mr Richard Allsopp, RDA Riverina’s engagement with their community, businesses and all levels of Government has been vital in identifying emerging issues throughout the crisis and opportunities for the recovery phase.

This work is important to managing impacts and ensuring communities and businesses are able to get back on their feet as quickly as possible. Key activities being undertaken by RDA Riverina include:

• Actively participating in two collaborative taskforces with a bushfire and COVID-19 recovery focus;

• Collaborating with local and NSW Government agencies to identify shovel-ready projects and develop an agreed regional recovery plan;

• Supporting a campaign to direct businesses to available COVID-19 support, via social media, e-newsletters, the RDA Riverina website and direct contact; and

• Surveying the region’s temporary residents to understand the issues impacting them and providing this information to the Australian and NSW Governments for consideration.

Regional Development Australia Committees (RDAs) have played and continue to play an important role in delivering sustainable infrastructure and services to their region. These Committees deliver important work in consulting with communities, promoting and participating in regional initiatives, and providing information and advice on their region to all levels of Government.

Since late March I have been holding regular teleconferences with RDA representatives three times a week. These conversations provided first-hand insights into how local communities are coping, and the impact and effectiveness of Government response measures. This local intelligence is provided directly to Government ministers and agencies to inform policymaking.

I want to thank the RDA Riverina committee members and staff for their work in driving positive change in your local communities.

If you would like to learn more about how RDA Riverina is able to assist you, visit its website at www.rdariverina.org.au. Further information about the RDA program is available at www.rda.gov.au.

The Hon Nola Marino MP

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, Federal Member for Forrest