BUSINESS ARTICLE: TODD WILLIAMS
A healthy, productive and competitive regional Australia is vital to the nation’s future.
The commitment in the federal budget to fund the Australia-wide Regional Development Australia network for at least another four years is welcome news. The consultative, evidence-based and persuasive approach of RDAs connects people in their regions with policy makers across three levels of government.
The mandate of RDA Hunter is to advise governments with a ‘one Hunter voice’ on: priorities; activities that will drive economic development; and, critical issues affecting the region.
RDA Hunter’s leadership group includes a breadth of experience across all aspects of economic development required to advocate for the priorities, ambitions and opportunities of the region. The local leaders on the Board of RDA Hunter are independent, representing no single interest group, with expertise in business, partnerships, strategic planning, management, research, finance, project implementation, public policy and service delivery.
A high level of regionally-specific understanding is crucial to the Plan for Growing the Hunter – RDA Hunter’s five-year strategic blueprint which presents opportunities for economic development and investment in the Hunter. The region’s growth plan is currently being updated by RDA Hunter, with an anticipated release in around two months.
We are engaging people with expert knowledge and the proven ability to deliver positive outcomes to assist with development of the Plan for Growing the Hunter.
This approach has returned dividends in the order of $600 million to the region through building the business case for priorities in our plans, such as the Hunter Economic Infrastructure Plan and initiatives including the ME Program, which has increased the size and capacity of the Hunter’s STEM workforce. Further gains are anticipated as the Smart Specialisation Strategy for the Hunter is implemented to deliver a successful knowledge-based economy.
The updated growth plan also builds on RDA Hunter’s track-record in supporting integrated planning for the metropolitan area of the Hunter that aims to deliver economic benefits to the whole region. We have commenced round one of consultations to leverage the bipartisan political support and extensive business interest regarding the crucial role that cities play in delivering prosperity.
The importance of a longer term view of the future of the Hunter is brought into sharp relief during an election campaign. RDA Hunter’s Plan for Growing the Hunter, informed by local stakeholders, will present programs to drive economic growth, boost the region’s smart competitive advantages and streamline delivery of goods and services to an increasing number of markets.
Now is the right time to update the inventory of regionally significant priorities, identify the infrastructure projects that will build a stronger economy and inform governments of the Hunter’s plan for our future. The opportunity to deliver a better future for the Hunter can be developed through partnerships between all levels of government, industry and communities.
Todd Williams, CEO, RDA Hunter
View the Newcastle Herald article http://www.theherald.com.au/story/3908945/growing-the-hunter-into-a-strong-city/