COVID-19 Pandemic event subclass 408 visa conditions changed

Australian Government endorsed (COVID-19 Pandemic event) subclass 408 visa

On 5 January 2021, a joint media release of additional measures were announced to enable temporary workers in Australia to continue to support the agricultural sector, which already included other critical skills such as food processing, health care, disability care or child care. The additional measures include:

• Extending the timeframe to apply for a COVID-19 Pandemic event visa from 28 days to 90 days before an existing temporary visa expires.

• Removing the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa requirement that visa applicants must demonstrate their attempts to depart Australia where they intend to undertake agricultural work.

• Relaxing the 40 hours per fortnight work limitation for student visa holders who undertake work in the agricultural sector.

 Further information can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website.

International graduates studying in a regional area now eligible for second TGV

From 2021, Temporary Graduate visa (TGV) holders (post-study work stream) who have graduated from a regional educational institution and have lived in regional Australia on their first TGV will be eligible for a second TGV.

 Those eligible for a second TGV will be required to remain in a regional area for the duration of their new visa.

 Eligibility will include international students who studied at a regional campus of a metropolitan university.

• International graduates who have studied and lived in Category 2 will be eligible for an additional year on a second Temporary Graduate visa.

• International graduates who have studied and lived in Category 3 will be eligible for an additional 2 years on a second Temporary Graduate visa.

 Further information can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Applications Open: Agritech Incubator | Ready to Launch 10 Week Incubator

Got a business idea but not sure how to get it going?

Strap in and prepare to explore the final frontiers of your idea and your potential as an entrepreneur.

Applications are now OPEN for the Charles Sturt University Ready To Launch 10-week online incubator, an 100% online program to take your idea from woe to GO!

Applications are now open! Places on this program are limited so get in quick.

Launch date: Monday 8 March 2021 (applications close on Monday 22 February 2021)

Info here: https://bit.ly/38AhHRf

Apply here: https://bit.ly/39oXSvv

THE Rural Woman Co-op: Fund Survey

Launched in 2014, THE Rural Woman is now a leading online community of rural women passionate about changing the world, right from their rural location. THE Rural Woman is for any rural woman who wants to THRIVE in her rural location and has the desire to be part of a supportive community of like-minded women to connect and collaborate with, learn from and be supported by!

We are currently transitioning THE Rural Woman to a co-operative structure which is run by its members, which is very exciting! THE Rural Woman Co-op will continue to connect rural women and support their wellbeing and agency through networking, mentoring and training.
In addition, we’re exploring options to set up a Fund that will financially support the economic agency and advancement of rural women!

This will be a fund from which members can apply to access funds when they need them (even if they have been rejected by their bank), and to which members and non members can invest in, to yield a return AND support the amazing capacity of other rural women. We’d love it if you could answer some questions so we can better understand if these services would be valuable to you!

The survey is for EVERYONE (men and women, urban and rural) and will take about 10 minutes to complete - but that investment in time could yield rural women, their families and communities, so many leaps towards economic security into the future it will be worth it - dare I say, worth millions of dollars and trillions generationally?!

Deadline Approaching: Building Better Regions Round 5 Closing 5th March 2021

The Building Better Regions Funding Round 5 closes on 5th March, with applicants urged to engage with their local RDA before submitting an application.

Applications for BBRF Round 5 can be submitted through the online portal at www.business.gov.au/bbrf . 

Applications close on 5 March 2021, with successful applicants expected to be announced in mid-2021.

This round of funding includes $100 million in dedicated funding for tourism-related infrastructure and

$100 million for broader community infrastructure and investment.

It is strongly suggested that applicants engage with their RDA before submission of an application.

Click below to view a presentation for more information on this round:

nbn sets 5G long-range transmission world record

Technology trial paves way for additional tool to optimise performance and customer experience on the nbn™ Fixed Wireless network

nbn has achieved a world record for long-range 5G transmission using mmWave as it develops new options to further optimise the performance and customer experience of the nbn™ Fixed Wireless network.

In live testing at an nbn proof of concept site near Mortlake, Victoria, nbn and its technology partners, Ericsson, Qualcomm Technologies Inc. and Casa Systems, achieved a stable 5G mmWave transmission of close to 1Gbps¹ at a distance of 7.3km, double the distance recorded at the site just three months ago, and a new record globally. nbn anticipates ongoing testing to demonstrate even longer range capability in the future².

nbn is exploring 5G technology operating in mmWave spectrum as part of its commitment to continually enhance customer experience and evolve the Fixed Wireless network for future needs. The network currently covers more than 620,000 premises across regional and rural Australia with more than 90% of customers currently within 7.3km of a Fixed Wireless cell.

Recognising the unique long-range requirements of the nbn™ Fixed Wireless network, the field measurements will provide development guidance for wireless technology suppliers, while helping nbn understand the most cost-effective, and spectrum-efficient ways to integrate 5G into its evolving network architecture.

nbn currently invests around $200 million annually in measures to optimise the performance of the Fixed Wireless network within finite spectrum and resource limitations. Under initiatives already implemented, the Fixed Wireless network exhibits spectral efficiency levels above 4bps/Hz in the downlink and 1.6bps/Hz in the uplink, challenging global benchmarks of even the highest performing 4G networks. nbn’s own performance benchmarking shows that 99.9% of Fixed Wireless network cells and 100.0% of Fixed Wireless backhaul links are currently performing at or above their design thresholds.

nbn anticipates continued innovation and technology developments on the existing 4G platform to further enhance average and peak user speeds to complement a targeted 5G implementation in the future. Working with its technology partners, nbn’s current and ongoing optimisation initiatives include:

• Wider deployment of carrier aggregation to improve load balancing across available spectrum and enhance single user data rates.

• Introduction of advanced antenna technologies such as multi-beam wideband antennas, Massive MIMO, multi-user MIMO and coordinated multipoint transmission to improve spectrum efficiency and reduce interference while driving down the cost per bit to accommodate greater traffic growth.

• Optimisation of end user radio conditions, actively balancing user profiles and reducing the average number of users per cell to achieve increased data rates for users. Following a 20% increase in the number of active cells in the last twelve months, there are currently 19 users per cell on average, a reduction from historical levels of around 60.

• Introduction of new high-capacity backhaul solutions, including increasing penetration of fibre and additional traffic engineering capability to improve uptime and reduce congestion.

• Increased deployment of advanced end user equipment for wider support of advanced radio features, enhancing individual user experience as well as increasing network spectral efficiency³.
  

NBN Co Chief Development Officer, Regional and Remote, Gavin Williams said:

“The nbn™ Fixed Wireless network plays a vital role connecting Australians right across regional and rural parts of the country. We face some unique challenges, not least vast distances and harsh environments, that have always required a strong focus on innovation. This long-range achievement is a very promising sign as we continue to develop our options to further improve performance and customer experience and plan to meet emerging demand on the network.”

NBN Co Chief Technology Officer, Ray Owen said:

“This is a significant achievement for nbn and our technology partners, Ericsson, Qualcomm Technologies and Casa Systems, and we anticipate strong interest from the global technology community as we further develop these capabilities. With industry development for mmWave largely focussed on high-density urban environments, this trial helps prove the case for additional work to suit the unique requirements of the nbn™ Fixed Wireless network and other regional and rural use-cases around the world.”

RDA Riverina Committee Chair Position Available

We are seeking a highly-motivated leader with vision, drive and passion for regional development to volunteer to Chair our Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina committee.

The successful candidate must possess strong advocacy skills and be capable of leading the committee, setting the strategic direction and achieving outcomes. The appointment term is 4.5 years, in a hands-on role suited to local community and business leaders with expertise and a desire to generate economic opportunities in their region.

We believe that the stronger our RDA committee is, the stronger our communities become. So don’t miss your chance help support, inform and deliver on life-changing regional initiatives. Learn more or apply directly at rda.gov.au.

Women, people from Indigenous and diverse cultural backgrounds and people with disability are encouraged to apply.

Applications close 23 February 2021.

Please spread the word and share our posts on social media. View the posts on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Apply here https://www.rda.gov.au/join-your-rda

NBN: Supporting community connectivity in times of disaster

In the event of an emergency, the ability to communicate can be key to survival.

And, in its aftermath, being able to do those things we generally take for granted – like staying in touch with loved ones, accessing online services, and working or studying remotely – can help communities get back on their feet.

That’s why, to help boost the support offered to communities and emergency services personnel during times of disaster, nbn co is rolling out a range of important connectivity support measures including nbn™ Disaster Satellite Services, additional Road Muster Trucks, and more Portable Satellite Kits.

nbn™ Disaster Satellite Services

Designed as a back-up communications connection, nbn™ Disaster Satellite Services can be switched to ‘disaster mode’ during an emergency event to provide free satellite broadband functionality, including Wi-Fi, for public use.

Set to be installed at designated emergency management sites, like fire depots, and evacuation centres around Australia, nbn™ Disaster Satellite Services will help support communities during emergency events and the recovery process.

The service can provide additional support for disaster-affected communities where terrestrial communications networks are temporarily impacted due to loss of power, or damage to communications infrastructure.

These installations follow the 2019/20 bushfire crisis when nbn was able to help provide emergency connectivity to more than 5,000 residents, business owners and support staff across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

“Last summer, we worked with service providers to install temporary emergency satellite infrastructure to more than 30 evacuation centres and 10 emergency response centres,” says Gavin Williams, Chief Development Officer, Regional and Remote at nbn.

“By providing free satellite Wi-Fi services and mobile device charging facilities during the emergency, we were able to help keep families and loved ones connected, and provide vital communication services into areas that otherwise might not have had them.”

Now, as part of the Australian Government’s Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) package, they’re installing nbn™ Disaster Satellite Services at locations across the country.

Netstripes Course: Digital Bootcamp

The upcoming holiday season is a great time to unwind and recharge after a difficult 2020, but it also gives you the perfect opportunity to improve your knowledge and skills for the year ahead.

Futurise Foundation is the online version of netStripes' acclaimed Digital Bootcamp, attended by over 3,000 business owners. The online course features 4 power-packed modules to enhance your digital marketing knowledge and arm you with the skills you need to jump-start your business in 2021!

Course Benefits:
•   100% Online - Learn at your own pace!
•   Lifetime access to learning materials
• 1 Hour of Digital Strategy Advisory after completion

‘Jump Start 2021’ offer Price: $470

National Lost Crop Register Launched

The National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Council has launched the National Lost Crop Register enabling growers around the country to anonymously record crops that have gone to waste because of a lack of seasonal labour. 

Over 30 growers have already reported crop losses, worth more than $22 million at the farm gate. 

Growcom, the peak horticulture body in Queensland, has led the design and development of the Register in collaboration with industry colleagues. 

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) will now track and report crop losses as the slow moving crisis of seasonal worker shortages unfolds. This evidence will be used to inform decision-making and improve the ability of industry to collectively advocate for greater government intervention where necessary.

“There is a real risk the true extent and impact of the labour shortage will be lost. We intend on publishing a running tab as crop losses mount towards Christmas and beyond,” NFF CEO Tony Mahar said. 

“Reports of lost crops have already made the media, and we are hearing of plenty more examples confidentially. Unlike a drought, poor prices or a new disease, the lack of labour available to harvest our crops won’t discriminate. It will be felt across the country, in every commodity.

“Expert independent analysis has confirmed we now have a labour shortage and suggests that without the return of international travel to previous levels our situation is likely to deteriorate through next year.

“Our political leaders and governments need to understand what’s happening on the ground so they can respond with better solutions. And there is an important opportunity here as well to educate the public on what’s required in terms of human labour to ensure their grocery aisles are full of fantastic fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts.

“We are calling on all growers who have left crops in the field for lack of labour to jump online and anonymously record the farm gate value they’ve lost. The Register will remain open as long as the labour shortage plays out. 

“We are also asking growers where they are willing to come forward and speak publicly about their losses. Nobody conveys better the issues of our industry than growers themselves. The Register gives growers an opportunity to put their hand up for this important task.”

Southern Queensland strawberry grower Nathan Baronio has already recorded more than half a million in lost crop on the Register and is expecting further losses as his production peaks into next year.

“It is an incredibly demoralizing situation. Our staff and management team are working way too long and hard to get the crop off, but eventually we’ve had to sacrifice some fields in order to harvest others,” said Mr Baronio.

“I want to encourage all my fellow growers around the country to record their losses on the Register, and where they feel comfortable, share their story with the public.”  

The National Lost Crop Register is open now and can be found here: https://bit.ly/NationalLostCropRegister

Register your preferences for Inland Rail updates and feedback

Inland Rail are asking stakeholders to complete a poll to register preferences for updates and feedback opportunities at inlandrail.com.au/a2i-poll prior to community information sessions being held in February 2021.

Harvest Trail Services

Many growers and farmers urgently need workers to meet their harvest demand so they can continue to provide Australians with fresh Australian-grown produce.

In these unprecedented times of COVID-19, many Australians are looking for work.

The Australian Government’s Harvest Trail Services (HTS) is here to help. It is a government funded program, so there is no cost to use the service.

HTS providers can help employers advertise their harvest jobs, find workers and link people looking for work with harvest employment opportunities. Job seekers can visit the Harvest Trail Services Jobs Board to find employers who are looking to hire, and farmers and growers can advertise their harvest labour needs through a Harvest Trail Services provider or directly on the Jobs Board.

Importantly, from 1 November 2020 to 31 December 2021, job seekers may be eligible for financial assistance to help with the costs of travel and accommodation when they relocate to take up short-term seasonal harvest or agricultural work. Visit the Harvest Trail website for more information about Relocation Assistance to Take Up A Job for short-term Agricultural Work.

Consultation on the design of the Australian 5G Innovation Initiative Round One

The Government is seeking feedback on the design of round one of the Australian 5G Innovation Initiative.

Consultation Period: November 13, 2020 09:00 AEDT to December 11, 2020 17:00 AEDT

We are seeking input on the design of the first round of the Australian 5G Innovation Initiative (the Initiative). The Initiative will support emerging business and commercial uses of 5G.

The program aims to create a pipeline of trials demonstrating different 5G applications, including Internet of Things applications, which will help build Australia’s 5G ecosystem. The trials will undertake rigorous and replicable testing of technologies that make use of 5G.

The Initiative is part of the Government’s JobMaker Digital Business Plan to accelerate the digital transformation of Australian businesses and create jobs. The Initiative will provide two rounds of grants funding, each with $10 million available.

We are seeking stakeholder views to identify ways that the guidelines can best encourage proposals from a range of sectors and businesses.

Feedback will inform the design of the grant opportunity guidelines for the first round of the Initiative.

Temora Airport Expansion

L - R: Temora Shire Council Staff and members of the Aviation community, Temora Shire Council General Manager Gary Lavelle, Mayor Rick Firman, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP and Deputy Premier John Barilaro MP.

New aviation businesses will be able to be established at the Temora Airport thanks to NSW Government funding, generating local economic opportunities and supporting the creation of new jobs.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke and Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced a $10.1 million Growing Local Economies grant to deliver the upgrades needed to expand the airport’s footprint.

Ms Cooke said the project will deliver up to 20 additional airpark lots, new taxiways and roadways as well as the power, telecommunications, gas, water, sewer and stormwater connections that new businesses need.

“This is a great investment in the Temora community and will create new opportunities for smaller aviation businesses to establish themselves at Temora Airport and attract further investment in the region,” Ms Cooke said.

“There is so much to see and do in Temora, and these upgrades will help boost visitor numbers, which is more important than ever before given the impact that COVID-19 has had on tourism right across the state.”

Mr Barilaro said the $500 million Growing Local Economies Fund is delivering vital infrastructure to support industries in regional NSW improve productivity, expand business operations and boost employment.

“We are continuing to work with communities to invest record amounts of money into infrastructure and services, so more people can realise the potential of our regions, and this project is a prime example of that,” Mr Barilaro said.

“This project is exactly what the Growing Local Economies fund is intended to deliver, and I look forward to seeing the economic benefits it will generate for the region.

“Our investment through the recently recharged Regional Growth Fund, which now totals $2 billion, is creating jobs and boosting the confidence of investors right across regional NSW.”

The Growing Local Economies Fund is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to the delivery of infrastructure projects which improve the economic growth and productivity of the state under Restart NSW.

For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/regionalgrowth

New health care model improves access for patients in Snowy Valleys

L - R: Perin Davey, Australian Senator for NSW; Michael Edwards, Director Service Delivery, NSW Rural Doctors Network; Richard Coulton MP, Minister for Regional Health

The communities of Tumut Tumbarumba, Batlow and Adelong will benefit from a new primary health care model to improve access to local health care and provide better continuity of care for rural patients.

Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton said the Coalition Government is investing in first-of-a-kind primary care models as part of a broader effort to improve health outcomes for rural Australians.

The 2020-21 Budget invests $3.3 million in new models of primary care to help pioneer local solutions to team based care and provide better healthcare services across sub-regions in western and southern NSW. 

“The challenge of delivering health services in small communities is well known, and it is clear the existing one-size-fits-all approach isn’t working for every rural community,” Minister Coulton said.

“The trial of a new collaborative model of health care in these four communities aims to create more efficient and co-ordinated networks of GPs, nurses, and allied health professionals to deliver local services.

“We know that rural, regional and remote Australians can face difficulty accessing health care. Creating more flexible settings as part of this approach is an important step in creating a rural health workforce to service the needs of the region.”

The new Snowy Valleys model will investigate if viable practices may be better sustained by having a team of GPs, nurses and allied health professionals deliver integrated health services to a number of smaller, connected communities.

Senator for New South Wales, Perin Davey said The Nationals in Government want people living in these communities to benefit from continued access to essential health services as well as reduce the time it takes to travel for primary care.

“Community is at the core of this approach and we want local communities maximise their local health services and co-design solutions that are tailored to meet the needs of their communities,” Senator Davey said.

“In addition, we want more health professionals to choose a career in the bush. The rollout of the new model is a good example of how we can improve the scope of practice for doctors and health professionals and provide rewarding lifestyle and career opportunities.

Minister Coulton said this new model provided a further incentive for young doctors to come to the region and built on the recent Murrumbidgee Model for Rural Generalist GPs that was providing a training pipeline and improved support for young trainee GPs.

Director Service Delivery at NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN), Mike Edwards, said Tumut was an ideal location to trial innovative approaches to health workforce solutions.

“A key enabler of success for this trial will be aligning community and health sector expectations and goals,” Mr Edwards said.

“Through consultation with community-based working groups already in place in Tumut, we can agree on approaches that may work best for the trial.

“NSW Rural Doctors Network sees this Collaborative Care project as the start of a model that could hopefully be scaled-up to support similar sub-regional approaches in remote and rural areas across Australia. We look forward to starting work early in the new year.”

The models are part of the Coalition Government’s broader primary care reforms including a 10-year plan to support patient centred care and equitable access to the best available primary health care services. Minister Coulton said rural and remote primary care is a key focus of the reforms.

“If we want to make an impact to tackle health access issues in our communities, we need to understand the local needs and look at more flexible and practical solutions to delivering healthcare in the bush,” Minister Coulton said.

The trial will last 18 months and is a practical solution developed with extensive community consultation and support.

Riverina Water Stage 1 Restrictions now in place

During daylight savings, all of us in Riverina Water’s supply area need to abide by Stage 1 water restrictions.

There are two easy-to-follow watering rules in place from 10am to 5pm each day:
- No sprinklers, irrigation systems etc. If you need to water the lawn or garden during this time, you may use a handheld hose
- Don’t hose down paved areas unless required as a result of an accident, fire, health hazard or other emergency

Find out more at rwcc.nsw.gov.au/savewater

50% wage subsidies for new apprentices and trainees

The Federal Government has recently announced a $1.2 billion wage subsidy program to boost apprenticeship and traineeship commencements.

This means that with the newly available wage subsidies of 50% and fee-free training,* now is a great time for you to employ an apprentice or trainee.

Employers will be able to receive wage subsidies for 50% of a new or recommencing apprentice or trainee, to the value of $7,000 each quarter, until 30 September 2021.

Is my business eligible?
Your business or Group Training Organisation may be eligible if:

• you engage an Australian Apprentice between 5 October 2020 and 30 September 2021, and
• your Australian Apprentice or trainee is undertaking a Certificate II or higher qualification, and has a training contract that is formally approved by the state training authority.

This assistance is limited to the first 100,000 people who have commenced courses. Don't miss out – apply soon.

Contact your local TAFE NSW representative today or call them on 1300 045 737 to discuss your training requirements.

NSW Government launches $100M Regional Job Creation Fund

Regional businesses that can increase employment by expanding production lines or relocate operations to regional NSW from interstate or overseas will have access to support grants of up to $10 million under a new program designed to create more jobs across the state.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the $100 million Regional Job Creation Fund will provide businesses with the money they need to fast track expansion plans, to create jobs and stimulate the local economy.

“NSW businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of drought, bushfires and COVID-19 and this unprecedented funding program will help them thrive instead of just survive,” Mr Barilaro said.

“I have set an ambitious target for the Regional Job Creation Fund to create at least 5,000 new direct jobs across regional NSW in the next three years by providing businesses with the equipment, infrastructure and capacity they need to create new opportunities and attract new customers.

“Regional NSW is the engine room of our state and this program will deliver immediate economic stimulus as businesses leverage new opportunities by providing work for tradies and suppliers.

“Regional NSW’s abundance of natural resources, its pool of skilled labour and the NSW Government’s record infrastructure spend is providing businesses and industry with everything they need to succeed.”

Mr Barilaro said the Regional Job Creation Fund will provide grants between $100,000 and up to $10 million to undertake projects that create jobs, including those that;

 Replace, upgrade or adapt existing plant or equipment, including technology or energy efficiency upgrades

 Enable existing regional NSW businesses to establish an additional production line

 Relocate a business from interstate or internationally to regional NSW, or onshore an activity currently being undertaken overseas to regional NSW

 Develop new tourism experiences and attractions to create new demand in a region.

Applications are now open and will close on Friday 14 May 2021 or when program funding is fully allocated.

For information about eligibility criteria and program guidelines, go to www.investregionalnsw.com/RJCFund

National Ag Day 2020

In a year like no other, National Agriculture Day highlights the extraordinary efforts of Aussie farmers

Three organisations responsible for driving agricultural innovation will come together again this year to celebrate National Agriculture Day, a day dedicated to highlighting the extraordinary efforts of Australian farmers who, during COVID-19, have had our back, continuing to grow the food and fibre we all depend on.

AgriFutures Australia, the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation and Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina NSW will celebrate National Agriculture Day on Friday, 20 November 2020 online this year with a series of inspiring stories showcasing the people of agriculture.

National Agriculture Day is an initative by the National Farmers’ Federation and this year’s theme is #AgDayAU Bake Off. You’re encouraged to whip up a country classic, get the family or the community together, fold out the picnic table and chairs and raise cheers to all that is good about Australian agriculture and the people behind it.

The agricultural community is invited to join AgriFutures Australia, the Graham Centre and RDA Riverina on social media to celebrate the role of research and innovation in helping rural industries flourish and to better connect all Australians with agriculture.

AgriFutures Australia General Manager, Communications and Capacity Building, Belinda Allitt, said this year’s celebrations will be a little different to previous years.

“We are looking forward to celebrating National Ag Day in 2020 which unlike previous years will be a little different to the lunch we normally have under the lemon scented gum trees at Charles Sturt University.

“Over the five days leading up to Friday, 20 November we will showcase the breadth and depth of people who are playing a critical role in enhancing and developing our agricultural levied industries as well as those making a difference to the agricultural landscape, be it through innovation or new and emerging industries.

Get involved this National Ag Day

“To get everyone involved we have launched a hashtag #hatsofftoaussiefarmers across our social media channels and encourage you to use this hashtag and share the stories of the incredible, resilient farmers you know who inspire you,” said Ms Allitt.

Graham Centre Director, Professor Leigh Schmidtke said, “We might be ‘physically distant’ because of COVID-19 but we can all connect by supporting National Agriculture Day. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the role of agriculture in our communities, not just the farmers who grow our food and fibre but also the people who support them to do it.

“We’re proud to play a part in the industry with research to benefit our farmers and in turn thriving regional communities.”

RDA Riverina Chief Executive Officer, Ms Rachel Whiting said, “RDA Riverina is a strong supporter of our farmers and agricultural industry who have shown incredible resilience through these difficult times. We are thinking of everyone working hard on this year’s bumper harvest and we are looking forward to working on the economic recovery of our region, driven mainly by the agricultural, and related manufacturing and supply chain industries. Stay safe!”

Look for the #hatsofftoaussiefarmers and #AgDayAU conversations across social media channels.

New RDA Charter announced by Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Nola Marino MP

STRONG, CONFIDENT AND VIBRANT REGIONS

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA CHARTER

Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a national network of Committees made up of local leaders who work with all levels of government, business and community groups to support the economic development of their regions.

RDA Committees have an active and facilitative role in their communities with a clear focus on growing strong and confident regional economies that harness their competitive advantages, seize economic opportunities and attract investment.

Collaborating with other RDA Committees, all levels of government, and the private sector, RDA Committees will:

a) Facilitate regional economic development outcomes, investment, local procurement and jobs.

b) Promote greater regional awareness of and engagement with Australian Government policies, grant programs and research.

c) Improve Commonwealth regional policy making by providing intelligence and evidence-based advice to the Australian Government on regional development issues.

d) Co-ordinate the development of a strategic regional plan, or work with suitable existing regional plans that will align with the Commonwealth’s regional priorities.