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Regional Development Australia

29 September 2010

Representatives of South Australia's Regional Development Australia Boards (RDA) have met with senior representatives of the Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) to look at how South Australia best approach the potential opportunities arising from the recently announced Commonwealth initiatives in Regional Development.

It was agreed that the State Government and the RDAs would work closely to maximise the benefits for regional South Australia.

The RDA representatives were also briefed on the recent State Budget.

Regional Development SA Chair Rob Kerin said whilst the Budget presented some challenges, there was very constructive discussion as to how DTED and RDAs could work together in addressing those challenges, and ensuring regional South Australia was well served.

'The meeting was very constructive, and the concerns of RDAs were addressed openly, and mechanisms agreed on to move ahead with ensuring we work together to maximise the opportunities which have arisen post the Federal election, and on other issues raised by RDAs emanating from the State Budget.'

The RDAs representatives re-affirmed their support for a coordinated and collaborative approach with the SA Government to putting forward a number of proposals for their regions to the Federal Government and Regional Development Minister Simon Crean.

Lance Worrall, Chief Executive of the Department of Trade and Economic Development said; "The agency is committed to working co-operatively and closely with the RDAs and regions to build greater momentum and to make the most of opportunities ahead."

Mr. Kerin added; 'The RDA representatives were pleased that there was a commitment to not just working closely together on the immediate opportunities, but to the longer term work of the RDAs and their role in regional South Australia.

'I look forward to further meetings in coming weeks to put mechanisms in place to move these discussions forward and start the push for Federal funds.'