A new approach to regional development, released today, will help shape the future of the Murraylands and Riverland region.
Regional Development Australia Murraylands & Riverland (RDAMR) launched its Strategic Direction 2023+ at the iconic Monarto Safari Park. Ministers, industry experts, investors, and the local community came together to share their contributions and vision for the future of the region.
In welcoming the launch of this collaborative approach to regional development, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain acknowledged the great work of the 53 Regional Development Australia (RDA) Committees across Australia.
“The regional South Australian RDAs boast an enviable tripartite partnership arrangement across Federal, State and Local governments, providing a strong foundation for the likes of RDA Murraylands and Riverland to innovate,” Minister McBain said.
“They have done this through listening to local voices – a practice at the core of the Albanese Government’s Regional Investment Framework.”
South Australian Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven highlighted the role of RDAMR in populating the state-wide regional investment pipeline, published annually in the RDSA Regional Blueprint.
“The $62.56 billion regional investment pipeline represents incredible opportunities for communities across a range of industries. Plans such as this from the RDAMR help connect these investments and other opportunities to improve our regions.”
“Recent RDSA Annual Summits have focused on innovative approaches to unlock regional potential through addressing population, accommodation and workforce challenges. It is promising that the RDAMR are prioritising addressing these challenges.”
RDAMR Chair Jodie Hawkes emphasised that the new RDAMR Strategic Direction 2023+ represents a shift towards aligning with global futures, evidence-based approaches and community engagement. This considers the voice of locals as equal to formal evidence.
“Our new Strategic Direction 2023+ is the result of our history, our region’s community voice, and the global context in which we operate,” Ms Hawkes said.
“Our region is strong and has much to offer in food production, tourism, manufacturing, and emerging sectors like communications, energy, and advanced manufacturing. However, we see huge opportunities that will not be realised unless we are bold and affect change.”
Through this new strategic direction, RDAMR will continue to evolve the community voice established through the Murraylands and Riverland Plan (MR Plan), developed in partnership with the MR Local Government Association and the MR Landscape Board through funding support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) and the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
“We heard from over 550 regional community members on what would make our region more resilient. This feedback has had a direct impact on our strategic planning process,” Ms Hawkes said.
“The Strategic Direction 2023+ positions RDAMR to connect networks to strengthen the regional ecosystem, evolve the region towards resilience and sustainability, and implement initiatives that align with future global trends and local priorities.”
RDAMR continues to deliver its many initiatives (such as the Regional Leadership Development Program, Community Impact Program, Transform Food Waste, Regional Workforce Connector and Collaboration Program, Individualised Care for Mental Health and Wellbeing, and the Investment Pipeline), and is also using these projects and other ‘listening exercises’ to curate the voice of partners and participants to evolve the region’s priorities.
As RDAMR enters 2023-24 and beyond, they will maintain close collaboration with Federal, State, and Local Government partners, and seek partnerships with private and philanthropic investors to support regional businesses and communities.
Regional Development South Australia Chair Rob Kerin praised the RDAMR Strategic Direction 2023+ for its global perspective and responsiveness to the local needs of businesses and communities.
“It’s inspiring to witness this evolution in RDAMR’s approach to regional development. I look forward to seeingthe transformation in the Murraylands and Riverland region over the coming years as partnerships continue to strengthen and local and global futures align,” Mr Kerin said.
To learn more about the RDAMR Strategic Direction 2023+ and the MR Plan, visit the brand new RDAMR website.
Media contacts:
Ben Fee – Chief Executive | M: 0407 327 249 | E: bfee@rdamr.com.au
Julie Bates – Director Business Development | M: 0458 505 169 | E: jbates@rdamr.com.au
