RDA VIC Barwon South West

One of 52 Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees established Australia-wide. RDA is a national network of Committees made up of local leaders who work with all levels of government, business and community groups to support the economic development of their regions. RDA Committees have an active and facilitative role in their communities and a clear focus on growing strong and confident regional economies that harness their competitive advantages, seize on economic opportunity and attract investment. Working in close partnership with fellow RDA Committees, all levels of government, and the private sector, RDA Committees will: 1. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to identify economic opportunities and leverage private and public sector investment to the regions; 2. Connect regional businesses, councils and industry sectors with international trade partners, financial markets and potential investors; 3. Promote and disseminate information on Australian Government policies and grant programs to state and local governments and industry, business and community sectors; 4. Support community stakeholders to develop project proposals to access funding; 5. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with the local government bodies in their regions; 6. Facilitate public and private sector decentralisation; 7. Assist in the delivery of Australian Government programs, where relevant and where requested by the Minister; 8. Engage with regional entrepreneurs and emerging business leaders to explore new opportunities to grow local jobs in their regions; 9. Provide information on their region's activities and competitive advantages to all levels of government, industry, business and community sectors; and 10. Provide evidence-based advice to the Australian Government on critical regional development issues positively and negatively affecting their regions.