www.buildingregionalaustralia.org.au for further information.
In the lead up to the federal election, representatives from across the country will come together to discuss the future of regional Australia at the Building Regional Australia Summit 2013 to be held at the Armidale Ex-Services Club, April 9-11.
Presented by the Foundation for Regional Development Limited, the Building Regional Australia Summit 2013 will provide a unique opportunity to examine the leading issues for regional Australia and create a platform to draw attention to country and regional areas in the lead up to the federal election.
Foundation for Regional Development Limited CEO Peter Bailey said country and regional areas are the backbone of Australia.
“Regional Australia is the engine room of our nation with the mining industry and the agricultural sector buffering any downturn that the rest of the world is experiencing” he said.
With the theme regional minds, regional policy, regional outcomes, the Summit will focus on creating policy agenda, ensuring areas outside the major cities are front and centre in the lead up to the election by providing federal, state and local politicians with valuable insight into where they can be driving new initiatives.
“We have deliberately organised the summit to ensure that both politicians and the media are well aware of the role regional Australia plays on the national stage” Mr Bailey said, “the summit will also give representatives from each state the opportunity to compare what they are offering in terms of policy initiatives”.
The summit will also showcase communities demonstrating leadership in terms of regional development by focusing on best practice examples that can be adapted by other regional communities nationally.
Building Regional Australia 2013 is open to all regionally focused organisations and individuals including federal, state and local government representatives, regional economic development organisations, corporate organisations, chambers of commerce, educational institutions, regional consultants and individuals interested in making a difference in regional Australia.
The summit is supported by the University of New England, Regional Development Australia Northern Inland, Armidale Dumaresq Council and Telstra Countrywide.
University of New England Vice-Chancellor Jim Barber said the Building Regional Australia Summit 2013 reflected many of the university’s own ideals.
“We see this as an opportunity to showcase the region, at the same time as promoting greater diversity and opportunity for business and industry,” Professor Barber said.
For the University itself, we are trying to promote regional universities on the national agenda and the Summit will present a wonderful opportunity to put forward our own case.”
Registrations are now open to attend Building Regional Australia 2013 and interested participants are encouraged to visit
