The Hon Nola Marino MP
Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories  Federal Member for Forrest
 
RDA MURRAY SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES DURING COVID-19
 
The Australian Government commends the outstanding work of RDA Murray in supporting the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  
 
Led by Chair Ms Mary Hoodless, RDA Murray’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 Murray include: • Participating in the Murray Socio Economic Activation Taskforce, which is working to garner collective support for regional priorities and gather intelligence; • Promoting the benefits of living in the Murray region, and offering support to businesses and families to relocate; • Providing information about Government support and stimulus measures and business networks via social media and e-news; and • Matching jobseekers with employers with vacancies, minimising under and unemployment in the region and helping businesses to optimise their workflows.
 
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 Murray committee members and staff for their work in driving positive change in your local communities.
 
If you would like to learn more about how RDA Murray is able to assist you, visit its website at www.rdamurray.org.au/.
 
Further information about the RDA program is available at www.rda.gov.au.
 

The Hon Nola Marino MP  Parliament House Canberra |(02) 6277 4293 |minister.marino@infrastructure.gov.au PO Box 2028 BUNBURY WA 6231