Transcript RDA Partnering with Local Government

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 810 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