The National Regional Development Australia (RDA) Forum was held in Canberra from the 16^th-17^th August. The National Forum presented an opportunity to draw together the 52 RDA committees from around Australia and discuss national economic and social trends, issues and opportunities.  RDAWEP was represented by Chairman Bryan Trigg along with Director Regional Development Dion Dorward and Deputy Director Brad Riddle.

Some of the key topics throughout the forum focused on areas such as sustainable populations and migration strategies aimed at attracting a skilled workforce to regional and remote Australia, and future industries and their implication on traditional economic sectors such as agriculture, mining and manufacturing.

The forum also provided an opportunity for Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development to reiterate the important role that RDA committees play in connecting Government to industry and regional priorities. The Minister was clear in communicating that any project that was looking for Government investment would need the support of its local RDA committee to be successful.

The forum provided an opportunity for RDAWEP representatives to meet with a wide variety of Government and industry leaders from across Australia regarding the Eyre Peninsula’s priorities.

Image:  Keynote Speaker Dennis Wagner, Non-Executive Chairman, Wagners (centre); Dion Dorward and Brad Riddle discuss the development and operations of the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport by Wagners.