Bowning local, Ben Maguire, was recently appointed Co-Deputy Chair, along with Queanbeyan woman, Sue Whelan, for the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Southern Inland Committee.
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RDA Southern Inland is part of a national network of 55 Regional Development Australia committees across Australia. These committees are made up of local leaders who work with all levels of government, business and community groups to support the development of regional Australia.
The committee encompasses 13 local government areas consisting of Wingecarribee, Goulburn-Mulwaree, Bombala, Upper Lachlan, Boorowa, Harden, Young, Palerang, Queanbeyan, Cooma-Monaro, Snowy River, Tumut and the Yass Valley.
The formal appointment was made by the Deputy Minister Warren Truss and the NSW Minister for Regional Development John Barilaro three weeks ago. Mr Maguire told the Tribune that he was thrilled with the appointment and looks forward to the challenges the role will present.
“I have a passion for business development and promoting regional Australia. I can’t think of a better one than promoting the one that I live in, so I am really pleased with the position,” he said.
Mr Maguire is looking forward to the opportunity to meet as many people in local government and business as possible and identify the issues they are faced with.
“My job really is to take projects, support and promote them. My first job will be to go to people to see how we can help.
“Whether it is a local government area or particular project, I’m looking forward to meeting more people.
“What I have found so far is that not many people know what the RDA is or what it can do for local areas, so one of the biggest jobs will be explaining what it is.”
The role of the committee is to promote economic development in the region by identifying potential opportunities for business development. It also distinguishes how all levels of government and government grants, programs and infrastructure investments can assist those businesses in creating jobs; ultimately promoting prosperity within a regional population.
Mr Maguire said that he is lucky to live and work in an area with a lot of potential for development.
“I’m excited about what the Yass Valley is already doing and can achieve, we are right on the doorstep of Australia’s Capital … there are great tourism and hospitality industries booming; so I think this is a great area,” he said.
“This isn’t the only area I’m working for, the area is quite vast which makes it pretty diverse but there is just as much opportunity in the other regions, so I’m looking forward to the role.”
For more information about the RDA Southern Inland visit the website http://www.rdasi.org.au.
