2025 National Economic Development Awards For Excellence

Image Credit: Wan San Yip

Economic Development Australia (EDA) is pleased to invite you to enter the 2025 National Economic Development Awards for Excellence. The Economic Development Australia (EDA) award is an excellent opportunity to highlight innovative economic development projects and amplify recognition of your efforts.

There are 12 categories for the awards, and all applications are free. Economic developers across Australia are encouraged to apply. EDA membership is not required for categories 1 to 10. Submissions can be made for projects delivered from 1 January 2024 to 30 June 2025 (18 month period).

Winners and finalists will be honored at a gala event during the 2025 National Economic Development Conference on 29 October at Earp Distilling, where their contributions to economic development will be showcased to a national audience of peers.

Key Information:

Entries close 5:00pm AEST, 18 July 2025.

Award Categories:

1. Economic Development Strategic Thinking

2. Economic Development Marketing and Promotion

3. Economic Development Through Partnerships and Collaboration

4. Economic Development Excellence - Regional and Remote Australia

5. Economic Development Excellence - Cities and Larger Regions (over 15,000 residents)

6. Economic Development Recovery & Resilience

7. Economic Development Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

8. Economic Development Sustainable Initiatives

9. Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Entrepreneurship

10. Economic Development Excellence - Consulting

11. Economic Development Rising Start Leadership (Economic Development Professional - up to 30 years old)

12. The Peter Chaffey Economic Development Leadership Award ( Economic Development Professional - over 30 years old)

Economic Development Australia (EDA) Journal

Image Credit: Jan Kahanek

Economic Development Australia (EDA) is inviting economic development professionals, business leaders, academics, researchers and policy experts to enter submissions for the second edition of the 2025 EDA Journal.

The EDA Journal aims to showcase innovative ideas and insights on fundamental economic development principals. The second edition of the 2025 EDA Journal will focus on the theme of the 2025 National Economic Development Conference (NEDC25’) ‘Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy’. This theme aims to explore the transformative forces shaping Australia’s economy and global landscape. Applicants are encouraged to submit unique topics regarding Economic Development.

Key Information:

• Apply: Fill in the form before Friday 30 May 2025

• Acceptance: Successful applicants will be notified by Monday 2 June 2025

• Deadline: Submissions of approved articles is required by Friday 11 July 2025

• Publish: The journal will be published Late August 2025

Article Requirements:

• No more than 2,500 words;

• Original work that has not been previously published;

• Referenced where appropriate;

• Accompanied by author biographies;

• Gender neutral;

• Accompanied (when applicable) by no more than four charts, graphs, or photos

Reappointment as Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

Image Credit: David Martin

The Australian Government has officially reappointed The Hon. Catherine King as the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. Reflecting on the first term, the Minister highlighted a transformative agenda that reshaped how infrastructure is planned and delivered across the country. Key achievements included:

• Reforming the national infrastructure pipeline to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.

• Securing five-year funding agreements with state and territory governments to improve planning and accountability.

• Overhauling Australia’s aviation sector, including the first major reform to Sydney Airport’s slot system in 25 years.

• Signing a record number of bilateral air service agreements.

• Restoring integrity to the federal grants process and increasing investment in local roads.

• Legislating a national fuel efficiency standard to support environmental goals.

Looking ahead, the Minister outlined an ambitious agenda for the second term, focused on building a more connected, productive, and sustainable Australia. Priorities include:

• Establishing a robust consumer protection regime for aviation passengers.

• Supporting regional aviation and enhancing competition in the sector.

• Advancing major infrastructure projects such as Melbourne Airport Rail, upgrades to Queensland’s Bruce Highway, and the completion of Western Sydney International Airport.

• Driving productivity in construction and across national supply chains.

“The foundations have been laid. Now it’s time to build a better and stronger future—one where infrastructure connects people and businesses, and makes our communities not just liveable, but desirable,” the Minister said.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to delivering on its promises and working closely with communities and stakeholders to ensure infrastructure investments benefit all Australians.

2025 Golden Crow Awards

Image Credit - Wagga Wagga Business Chamber

Applications for the 2025 Golden Crow Awards are now open! Be a part of honouring outstanding businesses in Wagga through the 2025 Golden Crow Awards!

The Golden Crow Awards, hosted by the Wagga Wagga Business Chamber, shine a spotlight on growth, entrepreneurship, and success within our vibrant local business community. Entering is free for Wagga businesses and provides valuable exposure, networking opportunities, and the chance to advance to the Business NSW Regional and State Awards.

Whether you’re a startup, an established business, or an outstanding individual, there’s a category for you. Now is the time to reflect on your achievements, showcase your business, and be recognised for your success

Applications Close: Friday 2 May 2025, at 11:59pm

Social Licence Survey

Image Credit - Glenn Carstens-Peters

Social licence plays a significant role in shaping major infrastructure development as it influences both the success and perception of projects. At our recent Economic Development Officer Forum at the Rock, our Deputy Chair Patricia Wilkinson, presented on a potential regional approach to Social Licence training. The purpose of the training would be to support Councils both inside and outside the South West REZ during the energy transition and the current infrastructure development of Industrial Renewable Energy throughout the Riverina.

To better inform our approach, we kindly request you complete the survey designed to gain feedback from the Development Officers Network to ensure any regional initiatives align with your social licence requirements.

SouthWest Renewable Energy Zone powers up

Image Credit - Matthew Henry

Media Release: Minister for Energy and Climate Change

In a significant step towards a sustainable energy future, four major renewable energy projects have been granted the right to connect to new power lines in the Southwest Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). This landmark decision by EnergyCo will play a crucial role in ensuring reliable, affordable, and clean energy for New South Wales (NSW).

The projects, which include wind, solar, and battery storage, boast a combined generation capacity of 3.56 gigawatts (GW). This is enough to power more than 1.6 million homes annually, marking a substantial contribution to the state's energy needs.

Projects and Developers:

• Origin Energy Pty Ltd: Yanco Delta Wind Farm (1,460 MV)

• Spark Renewables: Dinawan Energy Hub (Wind, solar, and battery, 1,007 MW)

• Someva Pty Ltd/AGL Energy Hubs Ltd: Pottinger Energy Park (Wind and battery, 831.2 MW)

• BayWa r.e. Projects Australia: Bullawah Wind Farm (262.3 MW)

These projects include over 700 megawatts (MW) of battery storage, capable of powering up to 300,000 households during peak demand periods.

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Experience and Cultural Burn

On Thursday, 3 April 2025, RDA Riverina Board and Staff participated in an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Experience and Cultural Burn organised by Wagga Local Land Services (LLS). 

The event began with Uncle Greg Packer's heartfelt Welcome to Country, setting a celebratory and educational tone. We explored cultural tools, artifacts, and learned about Wiradjuri culture. 

L to R - Dallas Tout Mayor Wagga Wagga City Council, Melanie Renkin Research Officer RDA Riverina, Dianna Somerville Chair RDA Riverina, Jayadev Ajayakumar Local Connector RDA Riverina, Amanda Cappello Operations Manager RDA Riverina, Rachel Whiting CEO RDA Riverina, and Melissa Boxall Board Member RDA Riverina.

Mark Lettfuss, Acting GM of Riverina Local Land Services, emphasised the importance of partnering with local entities to support land managers and the community through education, advice, and programs. 

Mark Leary and Greg Packer discussed community-benefiting initiatives like the Placenames Projects, Cultural Water Project, and Magic of Wiradjuri Country. 

We appreciated the opportunity to connect with the community and land through a Cultural Burning experience led by Dean Freeman, supported by the Rural Fire Service (RFS). Cultural Burning connects communities to their traditional lands, promoting healing for both land and people. The project involves cool burning across critically endangered box-gum grassy woodlands in the Riverina and South-east regions of rural NSW. It includes ecological monitoring to study biodiversity and fuel load responses to cultural burning. The program educates participants on using fire to enhance biodiversity, restore land health, promote native plant growth, support wildlife, and reduce invasive species. 

The day concluded with reflections on the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the positive impact of such initiatives on the community and environment. It was a day of learning, connection, and reflection. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to this meaningful experience. 

L to R - Melissa Boxall Board Member RDA Riverina, Dianna Somerville Chair RDA Riverina, Dallas Tout Board Member RDA Riverina, Wagga Wagga Local Land Service Staff Member, Uncle Greg Packer Senior Land Service Officer Wagga Wagga Local Land Service

Using a drone to observe the cultural burn

Local Land Service staff member, Amanda Cappello Operations Manager RDA Riverina, Melanie Renkin Research Officer RDA Riverina,

L to R - Dianna Somerville Chair RDA Riverina, Ros Prangnell Wagga Wagga Rural Fire Service, Dallas Tout RDA Riverina Board Member.

Audience at the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Experience and Cultural Burn

Cultural Burning experience led by Dean Freeman

Additional $14 million to keep communities and emergency service better connected

Image Credit: Dreamlike Street

The Australian Government has announced an additional $14 million investment to extend community Wi-Fi services at evacuation centres across Australia. This funding will enhance connectivity at 500 new emergency sites and extend services at existing locations for four more years beyond 2025.

The Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program, which has already installed NBN Co. Sky Muster satellite connections at 1068 sites, will see further expansion. This includes areas in northern New South Wales and southeast Queensland affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

The government has committed over $340 million to improve mobile coverage and network resilience against natural disasters. Future plans include introducing a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) in 2025 to ensure near continent-wide outdoor mobile coverage during emergencies.

This initiative underscores the government's commitment to enhancing safety and resilience in disaster-prone communities.

Launch of Major Project Workforce Histogram and ECEC Report at Economic Development Officer Forum | March 2025

L to R - Dianna Somerville RDA Riverina Chair, Nicole Ryan General Manager of Government Stakeholder & Advocacy Transgrid, Melanie Renkin Research Officer RDA Riverina, Rachel Whiting CEO RDA Riverina, Trish Marinozzi Senior Manager Strategic Engagement and Integration Transgrid, and Matt Holt Tourism and Economic Development Officer Lockhart Shire Council.

Rachel Whiting, CEO, Regional Development Australia Riverina

On March 27, 2025, RDA Riverina and AusIndustry, in partnership with Lockhart Shire Council, hosted the Economic Development Officer Forum at The Rock. Attendees heard from various guest speakers, including representatives from Lockhart Shire Council, Destination Riverina Murray, Business NSW, Inland Rail, Transgrid, Telstra, and NBN co.

The event commenced with Cr Peter Sharp, Mayor of Lockhart Shire Council, giving an Acknowledgement of Country and a warm welcome to attendees.

Julia Ham, Principal Consultant, Early Childhood Quality Services

During the forum, RDA Riverina CEO Rachel Whiting launched two pivotal reports: the ‘Early Childhood Education and Care in the Riverina’ and the ‘Workforce Histogram’. The Early Childhood Education and Care in the Riverina report addresses the critical shortages of childcare services, providing local evidence to the Regional Australia Institute’s findings that 35% of Australian’s live in “Childcare deserts”. This report aims to inform policy, drive strategic planning, and foster collaboration to benefit the Riverina region economically and socially. It includes extensive data analysis, consultations with ECEC professionals, and surveys of providers and parents. Guest Speaker and ECEC Consultant Julia Ham emphasised the critical importance of early childhood education and care and shared further information, underscoring the urgency of addressing childcare shortages.

Nicole Ryan, Transgrid’s General Manager of Government Stakeholder & Advocacy, highlighted their Strategic Partnership with RDA Riverina. Part of the $1.5 million Workforce Development Strategic Partnership included their commitment to assist research and advocacy projects on issues of concern within the region.

Melanie Renkin, RDA’s Research Officer, guided attendees through the detailed data of the Workforce Histogram report. Her presentation shed light on the projected demand for labour and skills in the Riverina and Murray regions over the next 3-5 years, driven by significant infrastructure projects. The workforce Histogram report, stemming from the RDA Riverina Major Projects Engagement Session in late 2022, highlights the significant employment demand due to major infrastructure projects exceeding $500 million. RDA Riverina are committed to releasing further updates to the Workforce Histogram as more major projects provide the data.

The event also featured several notable guest speakers. Matt Holt, Tourism and Economic Development Officer from Lockhart Shire Council, provided insightful updated on local initiatives. Yvette Myhill, General Manager of Destination Riverina Murray, delivered an engaging tourism presentation that highlighted the region’s attraction and growth opportunities. Grant Johnston from Inland Rail shared progress on the major infrastructure project while Serena Hardwick, Regional Director of Business NSW, presented the 2024 Workforce Skills Survey, offering valuable insights into the challenges and strategies for addressing skills needs in NSW. Finally, the NBN Regional Engagement Manager discussed recent upgrades, future technology plans, and improvements in fibre and speed enhancements, promising a more connected future for the region.

The event concluded with a tour of The Rock Regional Observatory; an experience that was highly valued by attendees.

Melanie Rankin, Research Officer, RDA Riverina

Matt Holt, Tourism and Economic Development Officer, Lockhart Shire Council

EDO Forum Attendees

The Rock Regional Observatory

Nicole Ryan, General Manager of Government Stakeholder & Advocacy, Transgrid

Andrew Cottrill, Regional Engagement Manager NBN Local

EDO Forum Attendees

The Rock Regional Observatory

Business Connect | Meet Your Local Business Advisor

The local Business Connect adviser in Wagga Wagga/Junee/Cootamundra is Dylan Mottlee.

You can contact Dylan at: dylan.mottlee@enterpriseplus.org.au.

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

The Business Connect program is fully funded by the NSW Government. Services are free for small businesses and individuals starting a business.

New NSW Sustainable Communities Program

Photo Credits: Daniel McCullough

Last week on Thursday 13 March 2025, RDA Riverina Staff Katie Pastro and Marg Couch attended the NSW Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty’s launch of the new NSW Sustainable Communities Program in Griffith. This Program provides community assistance to help reduce the social and economic impacts of water recovery measures on NSW communities under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

During the launch Minister Moriarty met with business leaders from across the Riverina to discuss their concerns about the program. Minister Moriarty also explained that $15 million is available for the first round of funding as part of the broader $160 million program designed to support affected communities.

The meeting is part of a wider process designed to help the NSW Government understand the needs of the Basin communities, and will provide information for the future of financial support.

Chauvel Australian Light Horse Ride

The 4th March 2025 marked 80 years since the death of Harry Chauvel, the legendary leader of Australian Light Horsemen during WW1. The 16th April 2025 will be 160 years from the birth of Harry Chauvel. To commemorate Harry, The Australian Light Horse Society is conducting a memorial ride of over 750kms to remember the hard-earned victories and courageous efforts of the Australian Light Horsemen.

Leg One is already underway.

 The remaining itinerary is:

14/3 Henty to The Rock – services in The Rock and Uranquinty

15/3 The Rock to Wagga

16/3 Service in Wagga

17/3 Wagga to Junee

18/3 Junee to Bethungra

19/3 Bethungra to Cootamundra

20/3 Cootamundra to Wallendbeen

21/3 Wallendbeen to Harden.

Leg two:

3/4 Gundagai to Tumut

4/4 Tumut to Adelong

5/4 Adelong to Batlow

6/4 Batlow to Tumbarumba

7/4 Tumbarumba to Paddy’s River

8/4 Paddy’s River to Tooma

9/4 Tooma to Tintaldra

10/4 Tintaldra to Corryong

Please click here for information and maps on the journey.

Feeding Australia: The Federal Government's Plan to Secure Our Food Future

Media Release: Minister for Agriculture, fisheries and Forestry

The Federal Government has announced the plan to develop a new national food security strategy called “Feeding Australia”. The strategy is designed to enhance the security and resilience of Australia’s agriculture and food production systems.

The strategy also aims to minimise price unpredictability and costs at the checkout by improving supply chain resilience. Despite producing enough food to feed more than twice its population, Australia still faces global supply and demand pressures, climate change and other risks.

The government will work with farmers and communities to develop the strategy, committing $3.5 million to this collaborative effort. A council comprising of industry and community experts will be established to advise on the strategy’s development and implementation.

Next Steps Toward a Sustainable Community Broadcasting Sector

Media Release: Minister for Communications

The Federal Government has welcomed the findings from the Community Broadcasting Sector Sustainability Review, a comprehensive evaluation aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of community broadcasting in Australia. This review, an election commitment, underscores the government’s dedication to supporting local media diversity and storytelling.

The review was conducted in two phases, beginning with an independent evaluation of the Community Broadcasting Program (CBP) in March 2023, followed by extensive public consultations and the release of a discussion paper in June 2024. The final report outlines four key recommendations for government consideration, focusing of CBP funding, legislative and regulatory changes, and First Nations funding and licensing.

Key findings of the review highlight the reliance of some community broadcasters on CBP funding amidst declining revenues and rising operational costs. The report suggests that the program’s effectiveness could be enhanced by reassessing funding priorities and processes. Additionally, it proposes reforms to modernise the sector and addresses specific challenges faced by the First Nations broadcasting and media sector.

The report also includes three recommendations directed at industry stakeholders, emphasising the shared responsibility of government, funding bodies, sector peak bodies, and community broadcasters in ensuring the sector’s sustainability.

In response to the review, the government has announced an additional $27 million investment to bolster the sector. This includes $15 million through the CBP, with $3 million allocated to support community television, and $12 million for the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Program.

Community Strategic Plan (CSP) Closing Date Extension

The closing date for submissions on the draft for the Wagga Wagga City Council Community Strategic Plan (CSP) has been extended to Friday 28 March 2025. The Community Strategic Plan (CSP) is designed to provide Wagga Wagga City Council direction for future plans and strategies for the Wagga Community.

The extension was decided with the intention to give community members more time to review and provide Wagga Wagga City Council more feedback on the document.

2023 - 2024 Land Monitor Report launched

L - R: Dr Joe McGirr MP, NSW Member for Wagga Wagga; Melanie Renkin, Research Officer at RDA Riverina; Tony Balding, HIA Wagga branch ; Scott Sanbrook, CEO of Committee4Wagga; Richard Pottie, Managing Director of Ladex Construction Group Pty Ltd; Rachel Whiting, CEO of RDA Riverina; Mark Hillis, RDA Riverina Board Member

Melanie Renkin, Research Officer at RDA Riverina, presenting the data featured in the Land Monitor Report 2023 - 2024.

Launched today in Wagga Wagga, The Land Monitor Report 2023-24 offers an analysis of vacant land supply, demand, and housing trends in the Wagga Wagga local government area. Population growth is putting strain on the housing market as projections indicate a need for 222 new homes annually, while lot production decreased 43.4% this year. Decreasing land availability contributes to rising land prices, rents, and house values, negatively impacting the local economy with significant losses in potential output and jobs.

The report is the result of a collaboration between Regional Development Australia Riverina, the Housing Industry Australia Wagga branch, and Committee4Wagga.

The report examines vacant lot distribution across suburbs, time to build, lot sizes, and future residential development potential. Additionally, the report looks at building approvals, and the median cost of construction as well as vacant land.

L-R: John Sidwick, Director Regional Activation at Wagga Wagga City Council; Tony Balding, HIA Wagga branch; Melanie Renkin, Research Officer at RDA Riverina; Greg Weller, Executive Director ACT/Southern NSW at HIA

TAFE NSW Connects Digital - Survey

TAFE NSW is seeking feedback to help TAFE NSW deliver services and spaces that will help your community thrive. Whether you have been to TAFE or not they would love to hear your thoughts.

Close Date: 31 March

Help Make NSW Sport more inclusive - survey

The State Government agency for sport and active recreation, is partnering with Multicultural NSW to learn more about how people from diverse communities participate in sport.

Your feedback will help the Government better understand people’s experiences and help to make sport in NSW more inclusive.

Government Announces Universal Outdoor Mobile Coverage Reform

The Labor Government has unveiled a world-first reform to provide basic universal outdoor mobile coverage across Australia. The initiative, known as the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO), mandates mobile carriers to offer mobile voice and SMS services almost everywhere in the country.

The UOMO reform aims to expand mobile coverage up to 5 million square kilometres, including over 37,000 kilometres of regional roads. This will ensure that Australians have access to mobile services in national parks, hiking trails, farms, and other outdoor areas where they can see the sky.

Key objectives of the UOMO include:

• Expanding access to Triple Zero emergency services nationwide.

• Addressing existing mobile black spots to improve outdoor voice and SMS coverage.

• Enhancing the availability of mobile signals during disasters and power outages.

This ambitious reform is made possible by advancements in Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEOSats) and Direct to Device (D2D) technology, which allow signals from space to reach mobile devices directly. The government plans to introduce legislation in 2025, with the implementation of outdoor SMS and voice services expected by late 2027. Many Australians are likely to gain access before then.

The government will collaborate with stakeholders and industry to ensure the legislation is effective and adaptable, considering factors such as supply and spectrum availability. Additionally, the government will work with the University of Technology Sydney to expand handset testing, ensuring consumers are informed about device compatibility and experience.

This initiative is part of the government's broader commitment to modernising Australia's telecommunications infrastructure, including a $3 billion investment to complete the fibre NBN. The government will also continue to evolve its co-investment programs, such as the Mobile Black Spot Program and Mobile Network Hardening Program, to further expand terrestrial mobile coverage, resilience, and capacity.

Wagga Wagga Rail Bypass

The Federal Government has announced a $30 million investment plan for a potential rail bypass of Wagga Wagga. This initiative, known as the Wagga Wagga Freight Bypass - Planning project, aims to enhance freight movement, productivity, and the resilience of the rail network in the region.

The current Inland Rail route, designed by former federal Governments, passes through the centre of Wagga Wagga. In response to community concerns about potential disruptions, the government is planning modifications to limit noise and ensure adequate cross-town access. The Independent Review of Inland Rail recommended planning for an alternative route once the Inland Rail has been operational for some years.

The planning works are expected to begin in 2025 and be completed by mid-2030. This project is part of the government's broader commitment to infrastructure investment in New South Wales, with a total commitment of $21 billion over the next 10 years.