Regional development encompasses a number of different policy areas including infrastructure, finance, environmental and social policy.
Due to its cross-disciplinary nature, regional development is difficult to define. Regional development is perhaps best viewed as a holistic process whereby the environmental, economic, social and cultural resources of a region are harnessed for sustainable progress in ways that reflect the comparative advantages offered by a particular geographic area.
Through these pages we provide access to a range of national policies, resources and programs that are relevant to local government across Australia in fostering stronger regions.
- Business development
- The development of more competitive local and regional economies is dependent on a more interventionist approach to industry development by government in keeping with overseas approaches. The key issues are discussed in this section.
- Sustainable regions
- The benefits of strong economic policy need to be realised for local communities through progressive social policy ensuring equity in service provision between regions and maintaining sustainable development.
- Regional infrastructure
- To succeed and grow, regional (and therefore local) economies must be able to connect with the rest of the country and the world. The growth and development of Australia's regions are dependent on effective infrastructure and sufficient resources to maintain existing services.
- State of the Regions report
- The State of the Regions report provides an annual stock-take of the economic well being of Australia's regions and their prospects for economic development and employment growth.
- Regional forum
- The Regional Cooperation and Development Forum is an annual forum of local government representatives and economic development practitioners examining the performance, prospects and policies affecting Australia's regions.
ALGA's interest in regional development is further articulated through its active participation as a full member of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). ALGA is also an active member of a range of ministerial councils including the Regional Development Council (RDC) and the Local Government and Planning Ministers' Council (LGPMC).
