Minister launches new strategic regional plan

A three-year strategic planning framework to help identify opportunities, manage regional growth pressures, and address economic development and infrastructure needs was launched at the Henty Machinery Field Days.

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, The Hon Kristy McBain MP, launched the new Regional Development Australia Murray 2022-2025 Strategic Plan on September 20.

The Plan was developed with input from a wide variety of local stakeholders and considers Commonwealth, state and territory and local government plans. 

Regional Development Australia Murray (RDA Murray) chief executive officer Edwina Hayes said improved digital connectivity, greater technology uptake by industries, a skilled workforce and improved housing supply were central to the plan and the future of the region. 

“We developed the plan based on sound evidence of how to best support to future growth and competitiveness in the Murray region,” Mrs Hayes said.

“The development of this plan has been a long-term process. Our staff and Board all live and work in local communities across the Murray region and over the past couple of years, we have been continually engaging with key stakeholders about what matters for local people. 

“This SRP was written in response to the feedback we collected through these conversations, as well as through surveys and other engagement, and builds on solid foundations of local culture and priorities.”

Mrs Hayes said the plan recognised the need to capitalise on government investment and commitments, including nationally significant infrastructure projects such as Inland Rail, Energy Connect and Snowy 2.0. 

“The next three years are critical for our region, as we continue to recover from the challenges we have faced in recent years, like COVID and bushfires. 

“Regionally our focus is on managing our current needs, while taking advantage of the opportunities coming our way and responsibly and sustainably planning for the future. 

“We need to leverage the opportunities to create positive changes that will have profound and lasting impacts on our region.”

Over coming months, RDA Murray will have a particular focus on the skilled workforce aspect of the plan, rolling out new initiatives to support workforce attraction and retention to support local business expansion.

You can access the Regional Development Australia Murray 2022-2025 Strategic Plan here: https://www.rdamurray.org.au/index.php/about-us/strategic-plan/