CONSULTATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS

Improving engagement between regional Australia &

the Federal Government

In July 2008, the Federal Government asked us to seek your views on three major topics that will influence the future of regional Australia;

1. Improving the engagement of regional communities with the Australian Government;

2. Principles & priorities for the new Regional & Local Community Infrastructure Program, announced in the 2008 Budget; &

3. Priorities for the types of local community infrastructure that could encourage economic development in local communities.

Submissions closed on 6 August 2008. Thank you to the many people who supplied their responses. A summary of your responses to Topic 1 was provided to the Federal Government by the deadline of 31 August. The paper provided can be accessed here:

Mid North Coast (NSW) ACC Regional Engagement Report – Work Plan Item 1

This paper was also followed up by a meeting in Canberra to discuss the Australia-wide response to Topic 1.

The final papers for Topics 2 and 3 are linked here:

Community Consultation (NSW) Topic 2

Community Consultation (NSW) Topic 3

Thank you to everyone who contributed their advice. This is a great opportunity for us to influence future policy, particularly given that the new regional funding program is scheduled to roll out in July 2009.

The final regional responses have been provided to the Federal Government. In my role as National Chairman of the Interim RDA Board, I will also be presenting recommendations from an Australia-wide perspective in Canberra on the 10th November.

Please don't hesitate to contact Peter Milner, Executive Officer, Regional Development Australia - Mid North Coast on 02 65621477 should you wish to discuss anything. We look forward to working together with you again in the future to help our region prosper.

Kind regards

Don Phillips

Chairman, Regional Development Australia - Mid North Coast & Chairman, Regional Development Australia Interim Board