RDA Partnering with Local Government

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

2. 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 8-10 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

3. The PartnershipIn 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Thank You !!! • Congratulations EPLGA on Conference • All Enjoy