Regional Data Hub Survey

We know that data is critical for making evidence-based decisions in your region. RDA Riverina has a subscription service available via REMPLAN for your ongoing data needs. We are also available for smaller one-off data projects or just to track down the public datasets that you may need. Find out more on our website.

The Federal Government is calling for public input on the creation of the Regional Data Hub – a new central source of data for Australia’s regions.

Data plays a critical role in helping community decision-makers and governments improve outcomes for Australia’s regional communities. The Regional Data Hub (the Hub) will improve the evidence base for regional communities, local leaders, and industry by bringing together key economic, demographic, and socio-economic data to provide easy access for users to information about their regions. The Hub is part of the Australian Government’s $13.7 million Better Data Use to Support Delivery for Regional Australians program, announced in the 2020-21 Budget.

If you would like to have a say in the development of the Regional Data Hub the Government is looking for feedback on:
- how you use data
- what data you need
- how you access data
- if you have data you would like to share

This information will be used to help design the data hub, what data is available, and how you can access it. A six-week consultation process is now underway to understand the data and information needs of users that will help prioritise data sets made available on the Hub.

For more information, you can read the consultation paper here: https://www.communications.gov.au/have-your-say/regional-data-hub-consultation

There are two ways to provide feedback:
1. Take the survey here
2. A written submission in response to the consultation paper here
The public consultation period closes at 5pm AEST on Friday, 2 July 2021.

2021 RDA Stakeholder Survey

RDA Stakeholder Survey

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (the Department) is conducting a short survey to obtain feedback about the effectiveness of the Regional Development Australia Committees (RDA) program in supporting economic development. As an RDA stakeholder, your feedback would be greatly appreciated and will be used to drive improvements in the program.

The survey is short and should only take a few minutes to complete. Please complete the survey by 22 June 2021.

RDA program is a national network of committees made up of local leaders who work with all levels of government, business, and community groups to support and broker economic development opportunities for their regions. There are 47 RDA Committees which focus on the economic development and jobs growth of their designated region. In addition, there are five capital city RDA Committees which are located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.

ARTD Consultants have been engaged by the Department to survey RDA stakeholders about their experiences with the program.

If you are having any difficulties accessing the survey, please reply to this email. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of the survey please contact the RDA program team, update@infrastructure.gov.au.

RDA Riverina shares the stories of Skilled Migrants in the Riverina

Regional Development Australia Riverina is pleased to announce the publication of a booklet of Skilled Migration Success Stories.

The booklet showcases the stories of six skilled migrants who relocated to the Riverina area as a result of the Skilled Migration nomination program administered by RDA Riverina.

Rachel Whiting, CEO, and Director of Regional Development, said:

“At RDA Riverina we recognise the importance of skilled migration in addressing business needs and filling skills gaps in our region. We have a long history of building relationships and assisting connections between skilled migrants and local industry.”

As a gazetted Regional Certifying Body (RCB), appointed by the Minister for Immigration, RDA Riverina invites skilled migrants to enjoy the lifestyle of regional Australia by applying for sponsorship to live and work in the Riverina region, filling roles affected by current skills shortages.

“Here, we showcase some of the success stories in the Riverina. Please enjoy their stories and join us in welcoming them, and future migrants to the Riverina. We also hope that these stories will help to start conversations about how we can make our communities more welcoming and embracing of new residents.” Rachel said.

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.

2019 - 2020 RDA Riverina Annual Report published

The RDA Riverina Committee and Staff proudly present our 2019 - 2020 Annual Report.

This report covers an extremely challenging period for the Riverina region, namely the devastation of the Dunn’s Road bushfire immediately followed by the Covid-19 Pandemic. These twin crises have brought with them some opportunity as well as hardship. As such, our staff have been busier than ever responding to the needs of our community. Although the production of the report was delayed, the information within is still very pertinent. We hope you find value in this summary of RDA Riverina’s activities in the 2019 - 2020 year.

RDA Riverina 2019 - 2020 Annual Report cover image, courtesy of Louise Freckleton of Highfield Farm and Woodland, Mount Adrah.

Employing Mature Age Australians - Department of Education, Skills and Employment

Skills Think Consulting is undertaking a national project for the Australian Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE)

Employers, you are being asked to contribute to research asking you, as an employer, for your views on the benefits and challenges of engaging more over-55s in your business. Older workers bring more experience, diversity and productivity, helping you get the best mix for your workforce. A 5% lift in participation among the mature aged will add an extra $48 billion extra to GDP.

You can have your say in two ways. Choose EITHER, or to be in the draw for five $200 Officeworks vouchers, BOTH! 

Take a 2-minute, anonymous online poll HERE. We ask quick demographic info and five easy ‘on-a-scale’ questions.

AND, if you have time,  please give more in-depth input by indicating your availability HERE for a 30-minute phone or video interview. Add your name, select three proposed timeslots, and then add your contact details. An interview guide with questions will be emailed to you beforehand, to help you gather your thoughts.

 This research is commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment and examines:

• the capacity and willingness of businesses to employ older workers

• perceived barriers amongst businesses to employment of this cohort

• possible solutions to these barriers.

Thank you for your contribution to this important research. If you have any questions, please email the research team HERE.

TransGrid commits to delivering Australia's biggest electricity interconnector

TransGrid commits to delivering Australia’s biggest electricity interconnector to lower electricity bills and create 1500 new construction jobs

TransGrid’s Board has announced it will build the critical electricity transmission project, EnergyConnect, which will save NSW customers $180 million a year and create 1,500 new construction jobs in regional NSW.

TransGrid CEO, Paul Italiano, confirmed the company will invest $1.834 billion to deliver the major, NSW section of EnergyConnect from Wagga Wagga in the State’s south to the South Australian border.

Mr Italiano said: “EnergyConnect is a transformational energy project which will provide net benefits of up to $11.9 billion and save NSW customers $180 million a year, or $64 annually on an average household bill.

“EnergyConnect will be Australia’s biggest electricity interconnector built to date in the National Electricity Market and it will help to accelerate Australia’s energy transition by connecting customers with more renewable generation.

“EnergyConnect will also help to abate an estimated one million tonnes of carbon emissions each year contributing significantly to meeting Australia’s climate change targets.

“Regional NSW will benefit from the creation of 1,500 construction jobs and an injection of more than $250 million in direct project expenditure.

“The project will also contribute a further $4 billion in economic activity for NSW.”

Mr Italiano thanked the South Australian Government for its unwavering support for the project, the Federal Government for the support it has provided via an underwriting agreement with South Australia and through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and project delivery partner, ElectraNet, for the essential role it has played to advance the project through the regulatory process.

The TransGrid Board’s investment decision came after it was able to partially resolve financeability issues for EnergyConnect, which challenge delivery of major regulated transmission projects in the NEM.

This has been achieved via an agreement between TransGrid and the CEFC on the issue of an innovative $295 million hybrid debt instrument.

Mr Italiano said: “The agreement with the CEFC has been essential to the Board’s final investment decision today and we are thankful to the Corporation for working with us to progress this important project.”

CEFC CEO Ian Learmonth said: “It is significant that the largest single investment the CEFC has made since we began investing will help deliver more renewable energy to Australian consumers by adding such a substantial piece of infrastructure to our electricity grid. We are proud that CEFC finance is supporting this important investment in the grid.

Work on EnergyConnect is expected to commence by the end of 2021.

Have your say on the Future Drought Fund

The Future Drought Fund is calling for primary producers, community representatives, and ag innovators’ input into the Drought Resilience Research and Adoption Investment Plan.

We need your help to identify research and adoption priorities for regional and national drought resilience under the Australian Government’s $5 billion Future Drought Fund.

If you’re a primary producer, community representative or ag innovator, please keep reading to Have Your Say.

About the Future Drought Fund

The $5 billion Future Drought Fund will help primary producers and rural and regional communities become more prepared for, and resilient to, future droughts.

The Fund’s Research and Adoption Program will provide $117.3 million up to 2023-24 to support drought resilience and innovation activities.

The Program has four interconnected elements: Adoption and Innovation Hubs, Innovation Grants, a Science to Practice Forum and a national Drought Resilience Research and Adoption Investment Plan.

The Investment Plan will identify national and regional research and adoption priorities and help to shape the Future Drought Fund’s future investments.

Your voice needed to help guide the Drought Resilience Research and Adoption Investment Plan

We want producer, community and innovation providers’ voices to be heard at all stages of the Program.

That’s why we’ve partnered with Alluvium Consulting Australia to engage as widely as possible with rural and regional stakeholders. Please take the survey and/or register for a workshop to have your say on regional and rural research and adoption investment priorities ahead of future droughts.

Business NSW 2021 Workforce Skills survey

Together we can take action on the skills crisis.

We know that businesses across NSW are facing challenges to find the right staff.

This is why Business NSW is conducting the 2021 Workforce Skills Survey to understand those challenges.

Your responses will help them advocate for improvements to the skills sector in NSW and across Australia in the post-COVID recovery.

The survey will take between 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

Griffith University | Australian Silo Art Research Project Survey

This Griffith University Research Project (GU Ref: 2020/824) is exploring the social and economic impacts of Australian silo art on both (i) visitors and (ii) people who live in and around towns with silo art, such as Weethalle.

The findings of this research will provide much-needed publicly available and empirical evidence regarding the current impacts of silo art as a growing national movement. The knowledge gained will also help to support and shape future mural, public art, cultural and tourism projects throughout rural and regional Australia, including the ongoing promotion, activation and extension of existing silo art sites.

The first public report from this research will be available in July.

This project involves two online surveys:

#1) The ‘main survey’ (approx. 20 minutes) for both (i) silo art visitors and (ii) local communities in towns with silo art; and

#2) A shorter business survey (approx. 5 minutes) for business owners/managers based within 100km of a silo art site.

The business survey is intended for a range of businesses (including those that have not experienced any impacts associated with silo art).

New Holiday Here This Year campaign iteration launched

Tourism Australia’s latest iteration of the Holiday Here This Year campaign was launched earlier this month, again fronted by iconic Aussie couple Hamish Blake and Zoe Foster-Blake.

They explore some of the incredible “big” experiences around Australia, all internationally reliant tourism regions, to encourage domestic audiences to start taking those longer trips and travel like international consumers do.

A new, interactive holiday quiz has also been rolled out to help consumers choose their next big adventure.
 
Industry is encouraged to participate in and benefit from the domestic campaign activity by:

• Downloading the Holiday Here This Year toolkit, which is available for download from the corporate website. The toolkit contains a campaign overview, campaign logos, city specific imagery for use in your own channels and social media tools.

• Aligning your marketing activity to support the campaign.

• Post on your business social media channels to encourage consumers to book using #HolidayHereThisYear and the Holiday Here This Year giphy stickers.

Share your news and activities with Tourism Australia for consideration to promote through our PR activities. Please send to internationalmedia@tourism.australia.com.

NSW Interpreter Scholarship Program

NSW Interpreter Scholarship Program – Applications Open Now

Applications are now open for people who speak new and emerging and in-demand languages to receive scholarships to become qualified practicing interpreters.
 

People speaking any of the following languages are encouraged to apply:
 
Acholi, Bari, Chin (Tedim), Chinese (Hakka), Dinka, Ewe, Fijian, Fullah, Hakka (Timorese), Hmong, Karen, Kayah, Khmer, Kirundi, Krio, Malayalam, Mongolian, Mun (Chin), Nuer, Oromo, Samoan, Somali, Tetum, Tibetan, Tigrinya and Tongan.
 
Recipients will benefit from subsidised training at TAFE NSW and the University of NSW and course graduates will be eligible to become Recognised Practicing Interpreters with the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
 
Expressions of interest are open until 9 June 2021. Visit the website for more information. 

Business Connect evaluation survey

NSW Treasury is seeking feedback about the Business Connect program.

What’s this about?

NSW Treasury is conducting an evaluation of the program and looking at how the NSW Government can support small businesses in future.

They are seeking feedback from Business Connect customers, NSW small businesses, industry organisations and other stakeholders on the services provided by Business Connect.

About Business Connect

Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted advice to help small businesses start, run, adapt or grow.

Over 120 Business Connect advisors offer advice tailored to your needs.

Business Connect advisors are accredited professionals with first-hand experience running their own small business. Their advice is independent and completely confidential.

Business Connect provides hundreds of business events and resources including live and on demand webinars, online workshops, fact sheets and training videos to complement advisory sessions.

Since 2017, over 39,000 businesses have been supported through Business Connect to date.

Have your say

Please complete the survey to tell them what you think of the Business Connect program.

The survey should take approximately 10 minutes.

Have your say by Monday 24 May 2021.

National Economic Development Awards for Excellence 2021

Entries in the 2021 National Economic Development Awards for Excellence are Now Open

Economic Development Australia (EDA) invites you to enter the National Economic Development Awards for Excellence. Preparing a submission is simple and winning a prestigious EDA award is a great way to shine a spotlight on your innovative economic development projects and raise the profile of your work.   Submissions can be made for projects delivered from 1 January 2019 – 30 June 2021.

Winners will be announced at a gala event during the National Economic Development Conference (NEDC22) in Mackay, QLD on October 14 2021.

Submissions close on Friday 16th July 2021 at 5pm AEST.

2021 Award Categories

1. Economic Development Strategic Thinking
This award recognises best practice strategies where economic development outcomes are the leading factors and basis influencing the approach adopted. EDA is looking for areas such as employment / workforce / investment / industrial and commercial development.

2. Economic Development Marketing and Promotion
Marketing and promotion is a vital skill for many economic development practitioners. Submissions should describe the whole process of their project from the planning stage through to implementation. Success is not measured by the size or budget of a campaign but the effectiveness of the methods and approach adopted. This award is ideal to present your winning regional branding and / or tourism marketing strategies and campaigns using innovative content development tactics.

3. Economic Development Through Partnerships and Collaboration
This award recognises excellence in economic development through meaningful collaboration and partnerships. Submissions should demonstrate economic outcomes realised through a clustering or
collaborative approach. Please note: It is advised that a paid consultancy is not considered a partnership.

4. Economic Development Initiatives – Regions Under 15,000 Residents
This award recognises programs or projects that have stimulated economic development activity in smaller regions. Examples may include retaining and growing existing businesses, boosting investment, raising employment opportunities and more. EDA encourages submissions which articulate the goals and the outcomes achieved, highlighting how the outcomes contributed to economic development in the region.

5. Economic Development Initiatives – Regions Over 15,000 Residents
This award recognises programs or projects that have stimulated economic development activity in larger regions. Examples may include retaining and growing existing businesses, boosting investment, raising employment opportunities and more. Submissions should describe the goals set and the outcomes achieved, highlighting how the outcomes contributed to economic development in the region

6. Economic Development Recovery & Resilience
This award recognises successful economic development programs, initiatives or activities implemented following a disaster, crises or economic downturn. This award also recognises economic development programs which are focussed on resilience building and mitigation.

7. Economic Development Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
This award recognises economic development strategies and projects which foster equity, diversity and inclusion. EDA welcomes projects where the community’s cultural, religious, linguistic and ethnic diversity underpin the economic development strategy and / or project. Other examples may be centred around gender diversity and / or supporting greater economic participation for young people.

8. Economic Development – Sustainable Initiatives
This award recognises best practice economic development initiatives delivering positive environmental and social outcomes. EDA is seeking submissions where circular economy and sustainability principles underpin economic development strategies and / or projects.

HONORARY CATEGORIES

9. The Peter Chaffey Economic Development Leadership Award (Economic Development Practitioner – over 30 years old)
This award recognises an individual who has demonstrated exemplary performance in the economic development profession. Successful nominations will have had a significant impact on revitalising communities, and will have been at the forefront of developing and delivering projects that drive innovation and change. They will have played a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development. Nominations must not exceed 1,000 words (typed double spaced pages) and should be accompanied by at least one (not more than three) letters of endorsement which should be no more than two pages and must be submitted in conjunction with the application. Nominations for the award must be a member of EDA and endorsed by an EDA member.

10. Economic Development Rising Star Leadership (Economic Development Practitioner – up to 30 years old)
This award recognises outstanding achievement by a young, emerging leader in the economic development profession. Nominations should detail the significant career achievements to date and the impact of those achievements on the organisation and the community as a whole, and also explain how these achievements have contributed to the advancement of economic development as a profession. Nominations for the award must be endorsed by an EDA member and will recognise not just their contribution to economic development but their level of community involvement. Nominations should be accompanied by a minimum of one, and not more than three, letters of endorsement on behalf of the applicant, from their supervisor, board chair, or other significant leader in the community who is actively involved with the applicant’s organisation. Nominations must not exceed 1,000 words (typed double spaced pages); letters of endorsement should be no more than two pages and must be submitted in conjunction with the application. Applicants must be no more than 30 years of age on the deadline submission date. Their date of birth must be noted on their application. Nominees must be a member of EDA.

11. Economic Development Community Champion Award
This award recognises an individual who has displayed dedication and commitment to his/her community as a leader and advocate for economic development. They will have demonstrated sustained and effective efforts to work with community groups and industry leaders in the development of projects as a business leader, elected official or volunteer. Nominations for the award must be endorsed by an EDA member but the nominee does not need to be a member of EDA to be eligible to receive this award.

SEGRA | Searching for Regional Success Stories

The SEGRA National Steering Committee is calling for papers for SEGRA 2021 being held in Kalgoorlie Boulder 16-18 November.  Submissions close on 4 June 2021.
 
SEGRA is recognised as Australia’s most credible, independent voice on issues affecting regional, rural and remote Australia. SEGRA brings together practitioners, government, business, not for profit and researchers to source and identify the techniques, skills and issues they need to address to achieve successful economic growth and development.

To find out more about SEGRA visit here
 
 
The theme for this year’s conference is:
 
           Unearthing diversification and adapting to a new tomorrow 

Diversification is an important way in which businesses or regions can expand or develop and increase their economic strength and capacity. 

Identifying regional opportunities for diversification is a key economic development strategy and is a priority action now more than ever before. Emerging technology, data optimisation and automation are all driving industries not previously envisioned.

Regions are often well placed with large green field sites, potential for independent energy, and a propensity for innovation to embrace diversification.

Regions enable diversification by identifying, promoting and providing opportunities to participate in emerging product markets; working to ensure appropriate infrastructure and freight logistics; tapping into supporting practices that will encourage businesses to strengthen their capabilities and expand or shift to new activities through information dissemination and communication.


The Action Agendas for the conference are:

• Strength through diversification

• Entrepreneurial action in regional Australia

• Celebrating Indigenous business

• Regional and global sustainability

• Technology transforming regional Australia

• Investing in social capital

• Branding regional Australia and growing population

• Developing regional tourism and geotourism

• Government Business Partnerships

If you, or region or your business is doing something exciting in regional, rural and remote  share it at SEGRA 2021. The Call for Papers flyer can be viewed here.

Skills shortages take a bite out of regional towns

RDA Riverina’s CEO Rachel Whiting and Regional Australia Institute’s Chief Economist Kim Houghton spoke to Michael Mackenzie from ABC’s Life Matters about skills shortages in our regions.

Listen to the discussion at ABC Life Matters

NSW Government | $50m Mouse Control Support Package

The NSW Government has today announced a $50 million package to offer farmers, households and small businesses assistance to battle the mice plague currently impacting parts of rural and regional NSW.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said free baiting, through free-of-charge grain treatment, would be made available to primary producers, while affected rural and town households and small businesses would be able to apply for rebates to help them meet the cost of purchasing mouse baits.

“We know the financial pressure this mice plague is putting on farmers and household budgets, we have heard the concerns of regional NSW and we are acting on it,” Mr Barilaro said. 

“The NSW Government will establish grain treatment facilities at specified locations across rural and regional NSW for farmers to have their grain treated free of charge and we will provide rebates to small businesses and households through Service NSW to help meet the cost of buying bait.  

“I am also forming an advisory committee to ensure everyone has access to expert advice, including the latest hot spots, health and food safety advice, information for vets and guidance for keeping children and animals safe.”

Under this package households will be able to apply for rebates of up to $500 and small businesses will be eligible to claim up to $1000 through Service NSW.

The advisory committee will include representatives from the Department of Regional NSW, Local Land Services, Department of Primary Industries, NSW Health, Service NSW, NSW Food Authority, Office of Small Business Commissioner, the Office of Local Government and the CSIRO.

Mr Marshall said farmers would be able to have their grain treated free of charge to protect their hard-sown crops from vermin. 

“Today’s announcement of free baits to treat grain almost completely removes the cost burden on our farmers and croppers and complements our popular workshops to arm farmers with the tools needed to build a mice-free fortress to protect their paddocks,” Mr Marshall said.

“I’ve seen first-hand the impact these rodents are having. They are a scourge on our agricultural production so we are giving landholders a fearsome suite of tools to manage mice. 

“We’re making this as easy for farmers as we possibly can. No tedious rebate forms to fill out, just bring your grain to have the experts treat it free of charge.

“Free bait is better than any rebate for our farmers, who we continue to stand behind post drought, bushfires and floods.” 

In addition to free grain treatment and expert workshops, the NSW Department of Primary Industries will also launch an unprecendented body of research to identify and potentially develop future tools to combat mice plagues, including biological controls. 

Fast facts: 

• $500 rebates for eligible households

• $1000 rebates for eligible small businesses

• Free mice bait (grain treatment) for farmers

• The NSW Government has sought urgent approval from the Commonwealth’s APVMA for the use of bromadiolone in NSW

• Expanded workshops to educate farmers on the best eradication strategies

• A moonshot research project to identify and potentially develop a new mice-killing agent

For the latest information about the mice plague, including information about eligibility, how rebates will be claimed as well as health advice at nsw.gov.au/mice

Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job (RATTUAJ)

Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job (RATTUAJ) is an Australian Government program that assists eligible participants to relocate to take up an offer of employment. Relocation assistance helps participants accept work outside of their area by removing the financial barriers that can prevent people relocating.

Job seekers who are participating in employment services programs may be immediately eligible for help with their moving costs under the Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job program.

From 1 May 2021, if you relocate to take up ongoing work, including an apprenticeship, for more than 20 hours a week for more than six months, you may be eligible to receive up to: 

• $3,000 if you relocate to a capital city*

• $6,000 if you relocate to a regional area

• An extra $3,000 if you relocate with a dependent.

* If relocating from one capital city to a capital city with fewer jobs, you may not be able to access relocation assistance.

Employment services providers can use up to $2,000 to provide upfront support to job seekers who need assistance with agreed relocation costs.

2019-2020 Land Monitor Report

Committee for Wagga, HIA and Regional Development Australia-Riverina have released the 2019-2020 edition of the Land Monitor Report.

This document enables stakeholders to make better informed decisions relating to market demand and future economic growth. This report has been provided to help ensure that there is a sufficient supply and choice of vacant land in the future.

Destination NSW and Qantas partnership highlights the Riverina region

Destination NSW has partnered with Qantas to promote the Riverina wine region in this article:

https://www.qantas.com/travelinsider/en/explore/australia/new-south-wales/riverina-nsw-wine-region-best-food-accommodation-what-to-do.html

and in the below promotional video as part of their three-year partnership deal struck in July 2019. The video highlights the amazing diversity of landscapes, experiences and produce available in the Riverina.

Charles Sturt University | AgriPark Forum

Charles Sturt University is continuing to lead growth and innovation in Australian agriculture through the AgriPark, a strategic initiative on the Wagga Wagga campus.

The AgriPark provides dedicated infrastructure, services and support to allow innovative industry to co-locate, integrate and collaborate, and the multidisciplinary research strengths at Charles Sturt University to meet emerging national and global challenges, enabling major advances in sustainable and profitable agricultural production.

We invite you to join us to hear from industry leaders, understand the AgriPark vision and build opportunities for collaboration.

We look forward to seeing you on 29 April!