A FRAMEWORK for future regional economic development has just been released.
Every three years a regional plan is submitted to the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, which describes the Mid North Coast, its attributes, industry, social profile, employment, key advantages and barriers to development and sustainability.
The Federal Government approved the plan in January, after the decision had been delayed due to last September’s election, and Regional Development Australia – Mid North Coast released the 2013/16 Mid North Coast Regional Plan for public viewing late last week.
The purpose of the regional plan is to set out a strategic framework for economic development in the region. The plan’s primary purpose is for use by the governments to assist them in understanding regional needs, priorities and opportunities. However, it is a public document and any interested parties are welcome to read it. For the benefit of the community, RDA has also prepared a summary document which gives a snapshot of the regional priorities in the plan.”
The plan incorporates the priorities of a very diverse list of stakeholders. Rather than focusing on individual communities, the plan takes a whole-of-region approach, looking at the priorities for regional development that have broad consensus. The current plan outlines eight key priorities over the next three years. These include: addressing the backlog of infrastructure, growing rural industry, addressing skills shortages, connecting our region to growth opportunities, planning for an ageing population, the economic needs of Indigenous communities, regional sustainability and capitalising on our cultural assets.
While the regional plan has a focus on economic development, it seeks to identify opportunities that will also have a clear and positive impact on the social, environmental and cultural spheres.
RDA Mid North Coast board chairman Tony Marshall said the aim had been to produce a regional plan that was reflective and representative of regional economic and community priorities.
“The plan builds on the work of the previous plan and acknowledges the achievements made in working with our regional partners, stakeholders, politicians and the wider community,” he said.
You can download the 2013/16 Regional Plan from the RDA website at www.rdamnc.org.au
Regional Plan: http://www.rdamnc.org.au/publication/regional-plan-2013-2016/
Summary Doc: http://www.rdamnc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013-16-Regional-Priority-Summary-Document.pdf
Regional Development Australia – Mid North Coast (RDA Mid North Coast) exists to be an effective conduit between governments and the communities that make up our region and is a joint Federal and State Government initiative.
