The Hon Gary Hardgrave reappointed RDA Logan & Redlands Chair

The Australian Government has recognised the importance of the ongoing work of the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Network in driving economic development and growth across regional Australia. In late October 2020 the Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Hon Nola Marino MP, announced the Australian Government’s recommitment to the RDA Network, including RDA Logan & Redlands under a new 4.5 year funding agreement and refreshed Charter.

The Network involves 52 RDAs across Australia, including the Indian Ocean Territories and Norfolk Island. RDAs work with all levels of government, business and community groups to support economic and workforce development, local procurement, strategic regional planning and to inform programs and infrastructure investments.

In early November 2020 Assistant Minister Marino announced applications were open for Chair positions for 46 Regional Development Australia (RDAs) Committees across Australia including for RDA Logan & Redlands.

On 23 December 2020 Assistant Minister Marino advised the reappointment of the Hon Gary Hardgrave to the position of Chair of RDA Logan & Redlands to 30 June 2025. In making this announcement, Assistant Minister Marino said: Mr Hardgrave has provided strong leadership for RDA Logan & Redlands during his time as Chair, having successfully steered the committee through the challenges of 2020 and, along with the members and staff, provided great support for the region’s business community and future economic development.

“Mr Hardgrave will lead RDA Logan & Redlands under a refreshed Charter that focuses its role on driving investment and local procurement opportunities and through this, creating jobs and economic growth for our regions.

“I look forward to working with Mr Hardgrave and the RDA Logan & Redlands members and staff over the coming years and encourage the community to reach out to their RDA to discuss how it can help business succeed.”

In accepting the appointment, Mr Hardgrave noted: "Regional Australia needs local leaders with the skills and knowledge to develop and coordinate strategies to address challenges facing their region and create opportunities for growth. The refreshed RDA Charter provides an emphasis on greater alignment across all levels of government and regional planning that identifies and advocates strategic long-term investment priorities.

“RDA Logan & Redlands will continue its efforts to ensure the voice of the Region is heard. We have a determined corporate goal to ensure the Region will be at the centre of economic and employment growth for South East Queensland, statewide Queensland and Australia wide.

“To this end in October 2020 we released Logan and Redlands: The Centre of Economic and Employment Growth for Queensland. The purpose of this document is to promote discussion and provoke commentary about the economic and social future of the Logan and Redlands Region and the wider South East Queensland. It is hoped its release will generate public interest and debate.

“There is still much to be done and, as always, I encourage all in the community to contact the RDA to discuss topics of interest.”

For more information on the RDA program click here or go to www.infrastructure.gov.au and www.rda.gov.au.