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Regional Development Australia Network expanded to the external territories

Media release

23 August 2017

On Friday 18 August, the Minister for Regional Development, Fiona Nash announced a range of reforms to the Regional Development Australia (RDA) program, which will now encompass the external territories, including Norfolk Island.

These changes will also see a new charter that is focused on boosting local jobs and innovation, attracting investment and stimulating economic growth.

This commitment will be a value-add to the work on economic development being done by the Hindle Group on Norfolk Island, as well as assisting the Norfolk Island Regional Council and all community members in their preparation of future grant funding applications. Having seen firsthand the value in terms of resources and skills the RDA networks can bring to communities in regional areas of Australia, I am particularly encouraged by this announcement and the opportunities it presents for the community of Norfolk Island.

The commencement and structure of the RDA program for Norfolk Island is being developed, with a likely timeframe for commencement of early 2018.

I look forward to sharing more information about this program with all of the community in the near future.

Eric Hutchinson