Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter Chair, John Turner and Board travelled to Scone on Wednesday 4 April to meet with local government and business organisations to hear about priorities and opportunities for economic development within the Upper Hunter region.
RDA Hunter held its meetings at the Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre (HVERC) in Scone and heard from Chair, Bill Rose and Director, Derek Field regarding the horse breeding industry region and the potential for growth in employment by linking the industry with a skilled workforce.
Local government bodies, Upper Hunter Shire Council, Muswellbrook Shire Council and Singleton Council were in attendance to promote their current projects and priorities within the region with the hopes of building investment and industry development opportunities.
The Board also met with Scone, Muswellbrook and Singleton Chambers of Commerce and Industry to discuss the challenges for local business and communities and priorities for the economic development of the area.
The opportunity to meet with local organisations within the Upper Hunter region was the first step in delivering the RDA’s charter, as provided by the Federal Government. The charter includes:
• Developing and maintaining positive working relations with local government bodies
• Assisting in delivery of Australian Government programs including public and private sector decentralisation
• Promoting and disseminating information on Australian Government policies and grant programs and supporting community stakeholders in the Hunter to develop proposals to access funding.