Communiqué - 28 August 2007
4TH MEETING REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL COMMUNIQUE
Australian and State and Territory Government Ministers responsible for regional development and the Australian Local Government Association met today in Cairns for the fourth meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC).
Attendance and participation at this meeting in a key regional centre demonstrated the high priority all jurisdictions place on regional development and their willingness to share ideas and progress issues collaboratively. The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, the Hon. Mark Vaile MP.
The meeting's key themes included: regional investment promotion; regional economic benefits of biofuels; drought recovery and structural adjustment; and broadband access in regional Australia. This communiqué sets out the agreed outcomes of the discussion.
Regional Investment Promotion
Ministers considered a study that will assist governments communicate the benefits of investment in its regional centres. The study emphasises that all Australian cities (both capital cities and regional centres) are cost competitive and the variation in business costs for all Australian cities is quite low when compared to the United States and other countries.
The Role of Biofuels in Regional Economic Development
Ministers considered the developments occurring in the biofuels industry. Ministers agreed that further consideration should be given to future excise rebates, support for smooth conversion processes, ongoing industry development, and research and development for second generation biofuels.
Drought and Beyond
Ministers discussed the difficulties faced by farmers and rural communities as a result of the current prolonged drought, and the varied impacts the drought is having on different regions and industries. Ministers agreed to continue to encourage a stronger focus on improving community capacity to underpin the long-term resilience and sustainability of rural communities.
Broadband Access in Regional Australia
Ministers agreed that the rollout of fast reliable broadband technology is one of the most critical infrastructure issues facing regional Australia.
The Regional Development Council noted that the Council of Australian Governments Online and Communication Council at its recent meeting agreed the establishment of a Joint Implementation Group in relation to the OPEL Network for consultation as Australia Connected is implemented. The consultation will aim to ensure that the roll out of Commonwealth and State and Territory initiatives are carried out in a complementary manner. Ministers requested that the Online and Communications Council consult with the Regional Development Council on implementation issues.
Ministers agreed that the Australian Government would work with State and Territory Governments in a collaborative approach to future roll outs of broadband.
Next Meeting
The Council agreed to next meet in Western Australia in July 2008.
MR DANNY O'BRIEN
SENIOR ADVISER
TELEPHONE: 0438 130 445