3September 2020

MEDIA RELEASE

THANKYOU. WORKING TOGETHER THE KEY TO MURRAY REGIONS FUTURE

Regional Development Australia Murray Inc has welcomed the easing of some NSW-Vic border restrictions as a significant achievement driven by fierce, cohesive and solution focussed partnerships in the Murray region.

RDA Murray recently highlighted the strong and compelling work of border economic development partners; including BusinessNSW Murray-Riverina, Albury Northside Chamber of Commerce, Murray Regional Tourism, Australian Industry Group, Riverina and Murray Joint Organisations of Councils, NSW Farmers, Regions NSW, Destination Riverina Murray, Mildura Regional Development, local MPs and local Councils; with a joint statement from 32 border organisations on the way to reduce the impact of the NSW-Victoria border closures on local communities.

Edwina Hayes; CEO of Regional Development Australia Murray Inc, which covers an area from the Snowy Valleys to the South Australian border in NSW, said she was delighted that the positive working relationships between unified local leaders had been able to assist in striking a balance between protecting the health of NSW and the economic and mental wellbeing of the border community.

Mrs Hayes said: “Now is the time to consolidate our position and continue working together in the Murray region to build us all up and create new opportunities. The economy, business, employment, inclusion, social wellbeing, health, environment, education; these things all go hand in hand.”

“2020 has been a hell of a year with drought, bushfires and COVID-19 related impacts. There are real challenges ahead but at RDA Murray we acknowledge the commitment and work of all the local and regional partners to identify and capitalise on opportunities. I think this is something the Murray region as a whole is doing so well, because we have a real commitment to and a willingness to work together across all boundaries to achieve a better Murray Region.”

Mrs Hayes said RDA Murray is extremely grateful and inspired by community leaders contributing to fortnightly Murray Socio-Economic Activation Taskforce meetings raising emerging issues and working together to prepare and deliver solutions. RDA Murray collects issues of importance, ideas and solutions from across the Murray Region which are conveyed to the Federal Government.

Mrs Hayes said: “It would be naïve to overlook the challenges that lie ahead, and sometimes they might look overwhelming. But if 2020 has shown us anything it’s that our community genuinely cares for each other and can all come together, lift each other up and solve difficult and complex problems.”

“We welcome the strong support for partnership in the Murray region. Working together allows us to set a new agenda for the future of our region. A future that enables us to build on our strengths, take advantage of new opportunities and address the needs of local people. Together we can deliver more efficient and effective solutions, and ensure local voices and concerns remain at the heart of our response to COVID-19 and all future challenges.” 

-ENDS-

Further details: Edwina Hayes

Chief Executive Officer: Regional Development Australia ~ Murray Region

Ph: 0427 267 753  communications@rdamurray.org.au