RDA Hunter is pleased to announce that Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, The Hon Kristy McBain MP has appointed Mr Ian Pedersen the new Chair of RDA Hunter following the retirement of current Chair, Mr John Turner OAM.

Mr Pedersen, current Deputy Chair of the organisation and well-respected contributor in the Hunter’s business community, will commence his term on 1st April 2025.

In announcing new Chairs across national RDA network, Minister McBain said,

“I congratulate new and returning RDA chairs, who will work closely with their community, local businesses and all levels of government to drive growth and development in their regions.

“With more than $117 million from the Australian Government set to flow across all of the RDA committees over the next five years, it is an exciting time for the new and returning chairs, as they’ll have the opportunity to work with their members to set the future agendas for their RDAs.

“We recognise the importance of local leaders supporting our work to Build Australia’s Future, which is why I look forward to working with RDAs into the future.”

Mr Pedersen thanked the Minister for his appointment and said, “I’m looking forward to working with the Board and our recently appointed CEO to build a strategy for the region’s growth and deliver the Charter and Regional Investment Framework in the Hunter.

“Our region is a strong contributor in NSW, Australia and globally and I’m delighted to apply my technical and management experience to lead RDA Hunter in this important time for its growth and change.

“I also thank and acknowledge the work of retiring Chair, John Turner OAM who has led the organisation since 2018. John’s dedication and guidance has been integral to RDA Hunter’s impact in workforce, industry and infrastructure development and has set RDA Hunter in a solid position for the future.

“John’s legacy in politics, business and regional development has shaped communities and created opportunities for growth. On behalf of my fellow directors, I congratulate John on his achievements and wish him success in his retirement.”

ABOUT IAN PEDERSEN

Ian Pedersen after graduating from UNSW in civil engineering, has worked as a structural engineer, project and business management.

Ian is a Past National President (1999–2000) of Engineers Australia (EA). In 1990 he was awarded the National Professional Engineer of the Year Award for the role he played in the aftermath of the devastating 1989 Newcastle Earthquake. He is a past Chair of EA’s National Honours and Awards committee and past Chief of Judges for the Australian Engineering Excellence Awards, having served in both roles for over 15 years.

Ian has been a Director & Chair of the Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF). ACIF is a national body focused on creating a competitive construction and property industry that is a leader in building Australia’s prosperity.

In 1996-98 Ian was President of the Newcastle Regional Chamber of Commerce and until the end of 2008 a Director of the Hunter Business Chamber (HBC). He was appointed a Life Member of HBC in 2011.

Ian was a Councillor on the NSW Business Chamber Council, the peak business representative organisation in NSW, between 2007 and 2021. Because of his expertise and knowledge in the fields of engineering and economic infrastructure. He Chaired the NSWBC’s Infrastructure Committee during his tenure as a Councillor.

In 1999 the Prime Minister appointed Ian onto his Hunter Region Taskforce to advise him of the affects and issues arising from the closure of the BHP Newcastle Steelworks, and as part of this role he was appointed Chairman of the BHP funded Welfare Trust.

ABOUT RDA HUNTER

RDA Hunter plays a role in helping to drive economic growth, innovation and entrepreneurship in the Hunter through facilitating investment in community, industry and the environment. RDA Hunter works with a broad range of stakeholders across sectors and supports the delivery of identified Australian Government strategic priorities.