RDA Partnering with Local Government Rob Kerin Chair of Regional Development SA Presentation to EPLGA Conference Monday 24 February 2014

Regional Development SA RDSA is the peak body of the 7 Regional RDA’s and RDA Adelaide Metro The RDA Chairs meet 4 times a year and the CEO’s times a year SA is the only State with such a body Results in a high level of collaboration between RDA’s Allows for better co-operation on cross regional issues and projects

The Partnership In SA RDA is a partnership of the 3 levels of Government Local Government is pivotal to the success of RDA Local Government know the regions, the issues and the community better than the other 2 levels – this is vital to the success of any Regional Development structure The other 2 levels have the resources and the control the Agencies we need to work with The tri-partite partnership is the optimal model

The History In S.A. Regional Development Boards evolved gradually about 25 years ago These were partnerships between State Government and groups of Local Councils By mid 1990’s most Councils were involved There were 13 RDB’s – including Eyre Peninsula RDB and Whyalla RDB The Federal Government had their own Regional Development Structures – most recent were Area Consultative Committees RDB’s were operational – ACC’s more Advisory No co-ordination, duplication, confusing, frustrating

Regional Development Australia Federal policy change from ACC to RDA Federal and State talks re co-operation Local councils not consulted enough Regional Development Boards not engaged in talks early enough State and Federal discussions involved going from 13 RDB’s to 7 RDA State wanted to use State Service Delivery boundaries Ministers wanted total control of Board Composition

Transition Stand off Minister Caica meeting Non negotiables – 7 Regional RDA’s and boundaries RDB windup requirements – negotiating power Many meetings Transitional issues

Local Government Representation Recognition of Local Government as a partner in RDA Negotiated Local Government having their own Board Members Autonomy of Local Government to appoint Successful in “localising” outcomes Gives Local government ownership Local Government role in initial Boards

Importance of Structure Board structure needed to reflect partnership Dangers of appointment from Canberra via C.V.’s Effective communication between levels of Government on Regional Development Issues Minister Crean – Localism Upper Spencer Gulf Local priorities

RDA in other States Tasmania only other tri-partite model – but only one Statewide RDA Duplication and even 3 competing systems in couple of States Lack of trust, co-ordination and outcomes Lack of critical mass Diverse structures

The Future ??? Minister Truss considering options going forward RDA Boards have been extended Minister has stated SA best model followed by Victoria Some favour a return to ACC’s – this driven by failure of RDA in NSW and Queensland where Local Government not involved SA RDA’s could fulfil ACC roles under this model

Regional Development SA Project Prioritising South Australia’s Regional Infrastructure Projects Number one priority – New Multiple Commodity Export Port Facility for Eyre Peninsula and Associated Infrastructure

Thank You !!! Congratulations EPLGA on Conference All Enjoy