RDA Brisbane supporting communities during COVID-19

Media Release from The Hon Nola Marino MP
Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories

The Australian Government commends the outstanding work of RDA Brisbane in supporting the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Led by Chair Dr Patricia Rowe, RDA Brisbane’s engagement with their community, businesses and all levels of Government has been vital in identifying emerging issues throughout the crisis and opportunities for the recovery phase.

This work is important to managing impacts and ensuring communities and businesses are able to get back on their feet as quickly as possible. Key activities being undertaken by RDA Brisbane include:

• Keeping the community informed of announcements from all three levels of government through regular website and social media posts
• Delivery of the Australian Small Business Advisory Service’s Digital Solutions program, providing general, crisis and digital business advice relevant to the pandemic
• Facilitating industry clusters for recovery, and organising online events demonstrating international examples, to help drive economic recovery and sustainable new export industries including robotics and hydrogen
• Engaging with and connecting stakeholders managing recovery processes, and forming a coordinating group for planning and recovery activities across three levels of government.

Regional Development Australia Committees (RDAs) have played and continue to play an important role in delivering sustainable infrastructure and services to their region. These Committees deliver important work in consulting with communities, promoting and participating in regional initiatives, and providing information and advice on their region to all levels of Government.

Since late March I have been holding regular teleconferences with RDA representatives three times a week. These conversations provided first-hand insights into how local communities are coping, and the impact and effectiveness of Government response measures. This local intelligence is provided directly to Government ministers and agencies to inform policymaking.

I want to thank the RDA Brisbane committee members and staff for their work in driving positive change in your local communities.