Inter-Government partnership will drive regional development

On July 1 the Central Coast Area Consultative Committee (a Federal Government organisation) and Business Central Coast (the State Government’s regional development board) will merge to become Regional Development Australia – Central Coast.
Mr Costa said the new Federal/State agreement for regional development would enhance the delivery of positive outcomes for local communities.

“Regional Development Australia means a more efficient one-stop-shop process to respond to communities at the local level. Local Government will also have a significant role in Regional Development Australia,” Mr Costa said. “The new committees to be implemented on July 1 this year will benefit communities by providing a more focused approach to regional development in NSW,” he said.

Mr Costa said both the Federal and State Governments are committing exactly the same amount of resources and support to the new organisation as the previous entities. “Regional NSW will benefit from having one organisation with the resources of two – this is not about cutting costs, but streamlining processes so vital development projects can get underway even faster. This agreement is about all levels of government working in partnership to benefit local communities and getting the job done,” Mr Costa said.

Expressions of interest for membership of the new committees have been advertised and interim chairs and deputy chairs have been appointed to guide the transition process. The new Regional Development Australia committees will be fully operational by 1 July 2009.

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