Maxine McKew, Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Regional Development joined members of the Sunshine Coast community at Maroochydore today to officially launch Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sunshine Coast.
“I’m delighted to be here to showcase the new RDA Sunshine Coast committee” said Ms McKew. “RDA is this country’s first truly cross-government, integrated approach to supporting regional development.”
Ms McKew said that RDA Sunshine Coast has a critical role in engaging local businesses and the community on economic, social and environmental issues of most importance to them.
“The Rudd Government established the national network of 55 RDA committees to champion local communities and grow and strengthen Australia’s regions.”
“I’m looking forward to hearing more from RDA Sunshine Coast about its vision for developing the region. “The Rudd Government is working hard with our state and local government counterparts to deliver our historic investment in both nation-building infrastructure, and in the vital infrastructure that builds the fabric of local communities.
“In March we announced approval of $572,000 to the Sunshine Coast Council for local community infrastructure projects, building on our previous investment for local infrastructure of more than $1.3 million.
“We are also providing $3 million to the Noosa Junction Transit Centre, and just yesterday Minister Albanese announced the Sunshine Coast has been successful in applying for almost $3.5 million in federal funding for the North Shore Community Centre project.”
“The Sunshine Coast will also benefit greatly from the $2.6 billion the Rudd Government is investing in the Bruce Highway, delivering important safety and efficiency improvements to the region, state and nation,” said Ms McKew.
Media Contact: Matt Pulford 0434 655 781