Applications to become part of the New South Wales Government’s Regional Development Advisory Council are now open to community members.
The State Government has introduced important changes to how government funds are used to ensure they reflect the needs of regional communities and aim to deliver real outcomes.
The Advisory Council provides independent advice to the State Minister for Regional NSW about investments made by the New South Wales Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust.
The government established the Advisory Council to offer independent advice that ensures projects and programs are evidence-based and that regional communities are at the centre of government decision making.
Up to seven members will be appointed for three years by the minister, based on relevant skills and experience in areas such as regional and rural economics, local government, regional planning and infrastructure, climate adaptation and resilience, and natural resource management.
The Advisory Council will also include at least one Aboriginal representative with knowledge and experience in economic development for Aboriginal communities.
An interim Regional Development Advisory Council was established in December 2023 and the new council members will be appointed at the end of 2024.
Earlier in 2024, the Council has been involved with the first phase of Development Fund investments totalling $35 million for initiatives that address the immediate needs of the community and industry in regional New South Wales.
The council has played a critical role in providing advice on renewing the Regional Development Act and that bill is now being processed in Parliament.
New South Wales Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said that the government has committed an initial investment of $400 million into the Regional Development Trust Fund and the Regional Development Advisory Council plays a key role in providing independent and expert advice to support decision making on those investments.
“Great work has been started by the interim Council and they’ve provided valuable advice in determining the first $35 million worth of investments covering food and beverage businesses, remote airstrip upgrades, Aboriginal economic development, and Western New South Wales workforce activation.
“I’d like to thank the interim members for their service to date and acknowledge the important work they have undertaken in reviewing the Regional Development Act, and guiding decisions for the initial investments from the Regional Development Trust.”
Expressions of Interest for the new Advisory Council opened on 11 September 2024 and will close on 9 October.
For more information and to apply, click here.
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