Strategic Regional Plan
2022-2025
Acknowledgements
Traditional custodians
Take a moment to pause and feel the earth beneath
our feet. To recall our place in this timeless, bountiful
country.
We acknowledge, with deep respect, the traditional
custodians of this land whose stewardship continues
to grace this country as it has done for more than
65,000 years.
We pay our respect to Aboriginal elders from the
past, in the present, and those who are striving today
to bring their very special relationship with
country to our social identity. We endeavour to
honour the full depth of history this country knows,
with gratitude and care.
Funding
Regional Development Australia Murray Inc (RDA
Murray) receives core funding from the Australian
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional
Development and Communications.
Preparing the plan
RDA Murray prepared this Strategic Regional
Plan (SRP) in consultation with stakeholders from
throughout the Murray region. Our thanks go to all
those who contributed: their ideas, feedback and
insights are invaluable in forming a clear and robust
path of action for the next three years.
Enquiries about the document should be directed to:
CEO, RDA Murray
2/566 Kiewa Street
Albury NSW 2640
(02) 6060 2491
edwina.hayes@rdamurray.org.au
2RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
©
Copyright Regional Development Australia Murray Inc. Published June 2022
Disclaimer
While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Regional Development Australia Murray Inc and its employees,
to the extent permitted by law, disclaim any liability to any person in respect to errors and omissions. We recognise that policies, programs and statistics may have
changed since publication date. Regional Development Australia Murray Inc produced this strategic plan and it does not necessarily represent the views of the
Commonwealth, its ofcers, employees or agents.
All images courtesy of Destination NSW
Cover:
Overlooking the Murray River at Albury
Contents
MESSAGES FROM RDA MURRAY CHAIR & CEO 4
ABOUT RDA MURRAY 5
ROLE OF RDA MURRAY 6
KEY MESSAGES FOR INVESTORS 7
ACHIEVEMENTS OF RDA MURRAY 8-9
RDA MURRAY REGION 10-11
RDA MURRAY SUB-REGIONS 12-13
REGIONAL ANALYSIS 14-18
REGIONAL SNAPSHOT 19-21
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES 2022-2025 22-24
STATEGIC REGIONAL PLAN METHODOLOGY 25
RDA MURRAY STAKEHOLDERS 26-27
ABBREVIATIONS & ACRONYMS 28-29
REFERENCES 30
APPENDICES 31
3RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
Overlooking vineyards near Tumbarumba in the Snowy Valleys region
Message from RDA Murray Chair
Regional Development Australia Murray Inc
(RDA Murray) is a not-for-prot incorporated
association. The skillsets and leadership networks of
our 10 voluntary board members reect the wide-
ranging mix of natural resources, industry, business,
workforce, social and economic opportunity drivers
across the whole region.
We bring strategic oversight, high-quality governance
and leadership to drive connectedness for the
development of the Murray region. I am very
condent that with such a dynamic team we will
continue making an impact, improving regional
economic development across our southern
NSW border region.
The RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan (SRP)
2022-2025 provides a wide range of stakeholders,
potential investors and policy-makers with an
improved understanding of our region. Our SRP
considers future opportunities and aspirations, the
evolving economy, natural assets and our changing
demographics. We are committed to working with
our networks to enable a socially, economically and
environmentally stable, but vibrant, community
across our region. Creating communication pathways
between our region and government is key to how
we operate.
I am excited to present this SRP to support regional
development stakeholders and their communities to
identify collaborative and comparative advantages,
manage regional growth pressures (including
climate change), identify opportunities and address
environmentally responsible economic development
and infrastructure needs.
Mary Hoodless
Chairperson
4RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
Message from RDA Murray CEO
RDA Murray exists to help activate the Murray region.
We connect people with opportunities to build
economic and social advantage. In essence, our work
revolves around:
• facilitating regional economic development,
investment, procurement and jobs
• connecting our region with government
• championing regional policy development
• coordinating regional strategy, and
• advocating for the interests of residents and
businesses in the region.
RDA Murray has established a network of over
18,000 people and organisations who are engaged in
understanding and enabling regional opportunity and
advantage. Using their diverse networks, our
well-qualied staff can organise and act on economic
and social issues raised in the region.
RDA Murray is agile and responsive. Our standout
competitive advantage is that we can prosecute ideas
into practice or policy in a short time frame. We are
constantly monitoring and responding to emerging
issues as they arise.
We are truly focussed on bringing all the small moving
parts together to create nationally signicant scale
and unlock new frontiers of growth and productivity
in our region.
Edwina Hayes
Chief Executive Ofcer and Director
Regional Development
Mary Hoodless (left) & Edwina Hayes in
the RDA Murray head ofce at Albury
About RDA Murray
Our purpose
RDA Murray has a leadership and facilitative role.
We work with all levels of government as well as
business and community groups. to support the
growth and development of the Murray region.
We have a clear purpose to continue to advocate
for a strong and vibrant regional economy that
harnesses competitive advantage, seizes on
opportunities and attracts investment.
We achieve this through activating a broad
range of stakeholders and industries for strategic
collective impact.
RDA Murray is a source of information, an
advocate for the region, a partnership builder and
an enabler of change.
Our vision
The Murray region will be a more connected,
skilled and diverse community, embracing
innovation and opportunities for inclusion and
economic prosperity for all.
5RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
Our mission
To provide leadership, foster innovation and
support collaborative action at a local, national
and global level, to realise the region’s potential.
Our values
Our decisions and actions are underpinned
by our core values of:
• Integrity
• Leadership
• High achievement.
We are courageous and ethical in our leadership,
bringing people together, working hard and
inspiring new thinking and innovative solutions.
Local grower inspecting his rice crop at Deniliquin.
Role of RDA Murray
The RDA Charter
1
is to operate as a network with
all levels of government and the private sector to:
1. Facilitate regional economic development
outcomes, investment, local procurement and
jobs.
2. Promote greater regional awareness of and
engagement with Australian Government
policies, grant programs and research.
3. Improve Commonwealth regional policy-
making by providing intelligence and
evidence-based advice to the Australian
Government on regional development issues.
4. Coordinate the development of a strategic
regional plan, or work with suitable existing
regional plans that will align with the
Commonwealth’s regional priorities.
In this context, RDA Murray denes our role as
unlocking new frontiers of production and growth
in the region. We collect evidence of, and analyse
the opportunities and constraints. We connect
stakeholders and inuence policy to improve the
progress of regional development.
RDA Murray leads the Murray Socio-Economic
Activation Taskforce
3
(MSEAT). This collaboration
of southern NSW leaders gathers and shares
intelligence thus ensuring issues of importance are
accurately conveyed to all levels of government,
industries and sectors in a manner which reduces
duplication and red tape.
RDA Murray specialises in government relations,
bringing peak bodies and local government
together to amplify our regional messages. We
build partnerships and collaborations to progress
economic, social and environmental initiatives.
At the coalface of regional business, RDA Murray
regularly meets with stakeholders, conducts
research, analyses and interprets government
policy in order to give strategic advice. We provide
connections to help a wide range of enterprises
emerge and ourish within our region.
RDA Murray regularly prepares departmental
and ministerial briefs to share information and
activate responsive government policy. We use our
extensive communication network of over 18,000
contacts to disseminate information to our region
around government grant funding and policy
opportunities.
Building on the more macro approach of
government, RDA Murray specialises in engaging
at the village or local scale. As a result, we provide
smaller injections of support to a larger number of
stakeholders. We pay attention to people and their
connections. Our research and interviews build an
accurate picture of the region.
RDA Murray plays an active and facilitative
role in our region with the aim of growing a
strong and condent regional economy. As an
important driver of change, RDA Murray strives to
harness competitive advantages, seize economic
opportunities and attract investment.
6RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
Paddlesteamer Emmylou cruising along the Murray River near Echuca-Moama
7RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
Paddy’s River Falls near Tumbarumba
The road to growth
at scale
With nancial investment in workforce
attraction and retention, housing, health,
digital connectivity, education, childcare and
aged care services sectors, we will achieve
regionalisation and business expansion.
RDA Murray is condent that we can then
progress our key priorities, thereby unlocking
new frontiers of production and growth at
scale.
We work to eliminate historical state biases
and ensure accountable and equitable levels
of investment in border communities where
working as one community would benet
both states.
Key Messages for Investors
Couple enjoying a visit to Corowa Whisky & Chocolate
Achievements of RDA Murray
RDA Murray’s key projects and initiatives during the
past four years include:
Improving the Building Better Regions Fund
strike rate
RDA Murray has facilitated more investment,
supporting 33 successful projects resulting in $33
million of regional investment. In 2021 alone, seven
out of 18 Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF)
applications were successful, signicantly above the
national average. Success came from our collaboration
with local tourism peak bodies and local government
support for grant writing. Our advocacy and lobbying
skills also came into play.
Coordinating regional leadership
By establishing the Murray Socio-Economic
Activation Taskforce
3
(MSEAT) in 2020, RDA Murray
brings regional leaders together in monthly online
meetings to provide coal-face intelligence and
feedback on government policy, and to collaborate
on emerging issues and solutions. The combined
knowledge of MSEAT is passed on through ministerial
teleconferences, briengs and regular
departmental advice.
Inuencing COVID-19 public health and
economic stimulus
RDA Murray focussed intensely on COVID-19 impacts,
facilitating a collaborative cross-border response to
the pandemic and contributing to more than 15 public
health and economic stimulus policies. We closely
monitored all sectors of government, community,
business and industry and provided leadership
through MSEAT, actively gathering and collating
intelligence to inform our actions.
RDA Murray responded to COVID-19 impacts
by gathering and synthesising information and
contributing to regional briengs to National
Cabinet. We addressed issues such as state border
closures, access to workforce and services, and the
longer term effects on housing workforce, supply
chains and logistics. We brought together more than
30 organisations and agencies to support a Joint
Statement outlining priority policy needs in response
to NSW-VIC Border restrictions and Public
Health Orders.
8RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
Green Valley re approaching Jingellic, January 2020
Achievements of RDA Murray
Addressing workforce constraints
RDA Murray actively supports multiculturalism,
encourages welcoming communities and helps bring
approximately 200 skilled workers to the region
each year.
Capacity building
RDA Murray adds value to and builds capacity in
all levels of government and business. Industry
support in the region is at the core of what we do.
For example, RDA Murray provides deep intelligence
and sophisticated advocacy, grant writing support,
governance and business reviews and network
development.
Responding to natural disasters
RDA Murray Chair, Mary Hoodless, has been widely
recognised for her personal efforts in assisting bushre-
affected community members to access community,
government and charitable support. In their dual roles
as Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers and RDA Murray
executives, Ms Hoodless, Deputy Chair Brian Millar
9RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
and CEO Edwina Hayes have all provided invaluable
advice and connections for government representatives
and agencies to rebuild essential infrastructure,
deliver welfare and assistance, and generally maintain
community health, nancial wellbeing and resilience.
RDA Murray provided summary intelligence on re
impacts. We collated and shared Local, State and
Federal Government and cross-border experiences
across all levels, from farmers and reghters to the
Prime Minister. This information provided valuable
community-based input into the Bushre Royal
Commission, NSW Independent Bushre Inquiry,
National Bushre Recovery Agency, Snowy Valleys and
Victorian Recovery Committees, especially cross-border
perspectives.
Dunns Road and Green Valley res responses and
lessons continue to require RDA Murray intelligence
collection, strategy and advocacy. We provide advice
and practical solutions to issues such as incompatible
cross-border communications systems, digital
connectivity and community social, nancial, economic
and mental wellbeing. RDA Murray continues to move
towards longer term resilience planning and preparation
for drought, bushre and ood recovery.
SOUTH
AUSTRALIA
Bendigo
Echuca
Swan Hill
Murray Downs
Ouyen
Ballarat
Geelong
Barham
Grifth
To Brisbane
Mildura
Euston
Balranald
Tooleybuc
Robinvale
Corryong
Hay
Mungo
Pooncarie
Wentworth
Wodonga
Wagga Wagga
Narrandera
HUME
NEWELL
HUME
INLAND
RAIL
HIGHWAY
HIGHWAY
HIGHWAY
HIGHWAY
HIGHWAY
RIVER
RIVER
MURRAY
MURRUMBIDGEE
DARLING
RIVER
STURT
Shepparton
Deniliquin
Wakool
Moama
Albury
HolbrookHolbrook
Tintaldra
Jingellic
Jindera
Khancoban
Tumut
Henty
Culcairn
Culcairn
Howlong
Corowa
Mulwala
Jerilderie
Urana
Conargo
Coleambally
Moulamein
Finley
Berrigan
Tocumwal
Kerang
VICTORIA
ACT
Sydney
Melbourne
Canberra
Tumbarumba
Yass
Adelaide
0 100 200 300km
NEW SOUTH WALES
RDA Murray Region
10RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
The Murray region of NSW extends from the Snowy
Mountains in the east, along the Murray River to the
South Australian border in the west.
Our region is characterised by a network of cross-
border communties, regional centres and small
towns many of which contribute to the agricultural,
hospitality and tourism, manufacturing and renewable
energy sectors.
The Murray region plays an important role in
connecting NSW, Victoria and South Australia due to
its strategic transport routes and geographic position.
The Murray region is expected to grow strongly
as a centre of production to meet both traditional
and emerging markets. For instance, horticulture is
becoming more signicant as citrus fruits, grapes
(table and wine) and nut (almonds and pistachios)
production increases so does the level of advanced
manufacturing in support of that industry.
The planned South-West Renewable Energy Zone is
expected to deliver economic benets and unlock
energy generation capacity in parts of Murray and
surrounding regions.
A variety of population trends is occurring at a sub-
regional level. For instance, the pattern of younger
people leaving for tertiary education but returning in
their thirties. Ageing residents tend to drift from rural
areas to regional centres, and Covid-19 has driven
population growth through the regionalisation of
workforce-age and skilled people. RDA Murray region
is a popular destination for skilled migrants.
The region’s main centre of Albury-Wodonga is
currently the 20th largest city in Australia and
expected to reach 124,000 residents by 2036 at an
average annual growth rate of 1.7%
2
.
Mildura, on our western boundary, is a regional centre
of local economic and social signicance as are cross-
border communities all along the Murray River.
Improved digital connectivity, greater technology
uptake by industries, the growth and availability of a
skilled workforce and improved housing supply will all
contribute to future growth and competitiveness in the
Murray region.
Source:
Geoscience Australia
11RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
RDA Murray Region
RDA Murray operates across a complex range of jurisdictions. There are:
• 10 Local Government Areas (LGA)
• Four Joint Organisations of Councils (JO)
• Two NSW Government Regions
• Two State electorates (Albury and Murray) and
• Two Federal electorates (Eden-Monaro and Farrer).
Cross-border communities
RDA Murray views cross-border communities as economic centres in
their own right. Cross-border communities are generally the centre
of regional economic zones but straddle local/state jurisdiction
boundaries.
State Governments identify cross-border communities and recognise
them as a single economic zone, but this does not diminish the
daily bureaucratic obstacles faced by the residents and businesses
operating across jurisdictions.
Daily life for these neighbouring border towns is often inextricably
intertwined. While one may be the identied commercial centre, the
other generally operates as the residential centre. There are clear
historic reasons for this pattern of development.
General disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic created
division and exclusion in these communities for the rst time in more
than a century. There are ongoing negative social and economic
ramications from these unexpected and unplanned state border
closures.
The region’s prosperity is intrinsically linked to cross-border economic
zones that are signicantly dependent on the small number of
bridges crossing the Murray River in the region, some of which
cannot accommodate modern agricultural machinery and freight
loads.
Both NSW and Victoria have Cross-Border Commissioners working on
these locality-based constraints and opportunities.
• Khancoban - Corryong
• Tooma - Tintaldra
• Jingellic - Walwa
• Wymah Ferry
• Albury - Wodonga
• Howlong - Barnawatha
• Corowa - Wahgunyah
& Rutherglen
• Mulwala - Yarrawonga
• Barooga - Cobram
• Moama - Echuca
• Barham - Koondrook
• Murray Downs-Swan Hill
• Koraleigh - Nyah
• Tooleybuc - Piangil
• Euston - Robinvale
• Buronga - Mildura
• Wentworth - Merbein
Perry Sandhills near Wentworth
RDA Murray Sub-Regions
12RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
The RDA Murray region, with a total population 137,686, is divided into three sub-regions:
East, Central and West.
EAST - Population 93,858 (68%)
LGA Population* Centres of local signicance
Albury
Boree Creek, Corowa, Howlong, Morundah, Mulwala,
Oaklands, Rand, Urana
Culcairn, Henty, Holbrook, Jindera, Walla Walla
Jingellic, Khancoban, Rosewood, Tooma, Adelong, Batlow,
Tumut, Tumbarumba
55,754
12,735
11,020
14,349
Albury
Federation
Greater Hume
Snowy Valleys
Wentworth Shire Council
Berrigan Shire Council
Albury City Council
Greater Hume Shire Council
Murrumbidgee Council
Balranald Shire Council
Edward River Council
Federation Council
Deniliquin
Albury
Moama
Womboota
Bunaloo
Barham
Caldwell
Wakool
Murray Downs
Mathoura
Barooga
Cobram
Tocumwal
Mulwala
Finley
Berrigan
Jerilderie
Oaklands
Urana
Rand
Boree Creek
Henty
Culcairn
Walla Walla
Jingellic
Holbrook
Rosewood
Tooma
Howlong
Jindera
Corowa
Morundah
Conargo
Blighty
Mayrung
Pretty Pine
Wanganella
Booroorban
Goodnight
Tooleybuc
Koraleigh
Moulamein
Oxley
Balranald
Euston
Hateld
Mungo
Gol Gol
Wentworth
Burtundy
Arumpo
Dareton
Buronga
Pooncarie
Tumbarumba
Khancoban
Snowy Valleys Council
Murray River Council
East
Central
West
NEW SOUTH WALES
VICTORIA
MURRAY
RIVER
Lockhart
Tumut
Coleambally
* AEC Group Pty Ltd,
Murray Region Economic Prole
, see Appendices p31.
The Eastern sub-region is dominated by the major centre
of Albury where economic drivers include manufacturing,
logistics, education, healthcare, retail and tourism.
Predominant industries in the Upper Murray (or Snowy
Valleys LGA) are beef and forestry. The area is notable
for its reliable higher rainfall and spectacular scenery
and resultant strong visitor economy. Greater Hume is
important for its agriculture, forestry and visitor economy
and its emerging solar energy sector. Known for its arts,
culture, heritage and visitor economy, Federation is a
productive grain, wool, lamb and beef cattle growing area.
RDA Murray
Examples of major projects
Circular Economy (private)
Defence Estates – Riverina Redevelopment
Hume Link
Inland Rail
Nexus Jobs Precinct
Snowy 2.0
RDA Murray Sub-Regions
13RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
CENTRAL - Population 34,410 (25%)
LGA Population* Centres of local signicance
8,810
9,158
12,571
3,871
2,276
7,142
Balranald
Wentworth
Berrigan
Edward River
Murray River
Murrumbidgee
Berrigan, Barooga, Finley, Tocumwal
Booroorban, Blighty, Conargo, Deniliquin, Mayrung,
Pretty Pine, Wanganella
Bunaloo, Barham, Caldwell, Goodnight, Koraleigh, Mathoura,
Moama, Moulamein, Murray Downs, Tooleybuc, Wakool
Coleambally, Jerilderie
Balranald, Euston, Hateld, Homebush, Mungo, Oxley
Avoca, Arum, Buronga, Burtundy, Curlwaa, Dareton, Gol Gol,
Pooncarie, Wentworth
WEST - Population 9,418 (7%)
LGA Population* Centres of local signicance
In the Central sub-region Edward River and
Murrumbidgee LGAs feature established and
signicant agricultural areas as well as emerging
horticultural enterprises. Manufacturing, agriculture
and the visitor economy are also important to
Berrigan and Murray River LGAs.
In the west of the region, the geographically diverse
(ie irrigated Sunraysia vs dry rangelands) Wentworth
and Balranald LGAs host a range of established and
emerging industries from agriculture and horticulture
to nuts, solar energy and mineral or rare earth sand
mining.
Examples of major projects
Reconnecting River Country
Renewable Energy Wind and Solar (private)
Examples of major projects
Energy Connect
Trentham Cliffs Development (private)
Substantial almond planting and
mineral sands mining
Sun setting over a cattle property near Albury
14RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
Regional Analysis
An analysis of the RDA Murray region guided by
the Australian Government’s
The National Priority
Foundations for Regional Growth 2020
(see
Appendices p31) and focussing on the strengths,
emerging investment and gaps in regional
development is presented on the following four
pages.
The six Foundations are:
• Connectivity and Infrastructure incorporating
digital connectivity, transport links, and freight
and supply chain infrastructure.
• Human Capital and Skills to provide skilled and
adaptable workforces, regional universities and
training, and schooling.
• Regional Employment and Business to develop
regional businesses and industry, local research
and development and innovation, and a strategic
regional vision.
• Leadership and Collaboration by investing in
regional leadership, capable local government and
the Indigenous community.
• Amenity and Liveability through providing
services, facilities and liveability, and support for
local priorities.
• Sustainable Natural Resources to build future
resilience, ensure sustainable foundations and
provide economic opportunities and jobs.
This analysis is further informed by the
Stakeholder
Strategic Priorities Analysis Matrix
(see next page)
which demonstrates the complex intersections of
priorities for regional development stakeholders in
the Murray.
Many plans assessed for the Matrix are being
reviewed or updated as a result of COVID-19 and
the relevant electoral cycles. Consequently the views
and projections of senior staff and representatives
of agencies were weighted strongly in our
considerations.
The conversations and lived experiences of people
investing in regional development in the Murray
point to:
• The infrastructure pipeline is at an all-time high
with a peak expected in 2023-24. These projects
are relying on resources such as workforce
requirements (an estimated 3,500-5,500 people),
housing and temporary accommodation,
machinery, materials and the supply of services
such as education, health, digital connectivity and
banking.
• Capitalising on the impact of the large
infrastructure projects bringing newcomers to the
region with new skills and energising the school-
training-jobs pathway.
• Training and skills development, while a priority
on paper, requires much more place-based
investment to meet projected needs.
• Business development is relatively well supported
for the longer term job markets in the region.
• Environmental sustainability and disaster
preparedness concerns leading to informed
community engagement in communications,
business adaptation to drought and disaster,
diversity of enterprises suited to a changing
climate, and making the most of capacity to
sequester and build carbon stores.
• Leadership and collaboration, rather than
competition, being considered critical to progress
regional development.
15RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
Stakeholder Strategic Priorities Analysis Matrix
Connectivity
& Infrastructure
Stakeholder Plans reviewed
January 2022*
Leadership
& Collaboration
Human Capital
& Skills
Sustainable
Natural
Resources
Regional
Employment
& Business
Amenity
& Liveability
Aus Government
NSW Government
Regional NSW
NSW Riverina Murray
NSW Far Western
RAMJO
CRJO
RJO
FWJO
REDS NSW
REDS VIC
Local Government
Business NSW
AIGroup
MasterBuilders VIC+NSW
Murray Arts, South West Arts
MRT
DRM
DNSW
Tourism Australia
Sports
NDIA
NIAA
NSW EES
Aged Care
Health Care
Mental Health
DAWE
Southern Drought Hub
LLS
DPI
DPE
RDCs
MIL
MRFH
Softwoods Working Group
NSW Housing
NSW Education
TAFENSW
TSNSW
CSU
LaTrobe University
UNSW Medical School
NRHA
Multicultural NSW
DoHA
Investment NSW Immigration
* Refer to the lists on pp26-29
16RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
Regional Analysis
Connectivity
& Infrastructure
Leadership
& Collaboration
Amenity
& Liveability
Sustainable
Natural Resources
Regional Employment
& Business
Human Capital
& Skills
This radar graph represents the focus of strategic
priorities from 47 plans which all apply to the Murray
region, reviewed against the Australian Government’s
National Priority Foundations for Regional Growth
2020
(see Appendices p31).
The work to be done in leadership, climate change and
social services capacity development becomes obvious.
All levels of government currently prioritise these
issues. There are signicant opportunities here to
inuence and deliver profound regional development
capacity building and outcomes for future
generations.
Couple enjoying a scenic walk through Woomargama National Park
17RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
Regional Analysis
Regional
Employment
& Business
Nationally signicant
infrastructure projects:
Inland Rail, Energy
Connect, Snowy 2.0.
Highways: Hume,
Newell, Riverina, Sturt,
Silver City. Potential for
alternate Transport/
Freight/Logistics/
Warehousing Hubs
at intersections eg
Balranald, Deniliquin,
Moama, Albury-Holbrook
Gateway airports:
at Albury & Mildura
bookending local
airport industry with
expanding air travel
networks, museums and
attractions
RDA Murray Skilled
Migration Program,
DoHA and NSW Skilled
Migration support
CSU, TAFE NSW, UNSW
Medical School
School careers,
employment agencies
Refugee resettlement
program MNSW GROW
Volunteer ethos
Existing networks eg
Women in Ag, Aboriginal
Environmental
Management and
Riverina Murray Regional
Alliance, Murray Region
Forestry Hub Softwoods
Working Group
Women for Election
and high numbers of
AICD, ARLF and Nufeld
alumni in the region
Community leadership
Snowy Valleys and
Fairley Leadership
programs
Advocacy with Business
NSW, peak ag bodies
and JOs
Murray Socio-Economic
Activation Taskforce,
gathering intel from all
corners of the region
and directing leads to
support growth
Including cooperation
between peak bodies:
NSW Business, Murray
Riverina Chambers, AI
Group, Master Builders,
Regional NSW, BEC,
NSW Farmers and
Murray Region Forestry
Hub
Murray Riverina Local
Jobs and Skills Taskforce
Innovative local
manufacturing of
primary produce
Murray River
experiences, water
security, and access to
nature
Local government
investments in Invest
Albury-Wodonga,
North of the Murray,
Discover Murray River
Country etc
Mildura Regional
Development, MRT
and DRM, Golf on the
Murray
Proximity to water
sports, ski elds,
Melbourne, Canberra,
Sydney
Relatively affordable
and diverse housing
stock
Murray River water
security, management
and use
High soil fertility,
weather patterns, sun,
wind and rain
Landcare and sustainable
agriculture group
networks eg: Murray
Landcare Collective
comprising 16 groups,
Rice Growers Association
Aboriginal Environmental
Management Steering
Committee
Net Zero by 2030
World Heritage Listed
and internationally
recognised national
park environments:
WIllandra Lakes, Mungo,
Yanga, Kemendok,
Euston, Mallee Cliffs,
Murray Valley, Benambra,
Woomargama,
Kosciuszko
NEC Forum
Connectivity
& Infrastructure
Human Capital
& Skills
Leadership
& Collaboration
Amenity
& Liveability
Sustainable
Natural
Resources
Strengths
Emerging investment opportunities
MIL Prospectus: private
on-farm water storage,
waste management,
recovery, sorting and
product storage
Local Government:
public buildings, cultural
infrastructure, water
systems, e-upgrades eg
lighting, monitoring,
waste and movement
Migration opportunities,
private training orgs,
Energy Connect, training
investment, Jobs Boards,
liveability promotion/
local and state
government attraction
strategies
Regionalisation and
population attraction
strategies eg
Country
Change
or
Move to More
Coordination of tertiary
sector training and
courses
Place based, in-person
network development
to help maintain and
develop practices and
participation in regions
Public, private
partnerships for
technology purchases
Scholarships and
sponsorships to access
global offerings
Public, private
partnerships for
workforce and business
development.
Population attraction
strategies – replicate
regional
Engage DESE LJP
workforce job readiness
Defence
Digital connectivity
Albury Wodonga
health precinct
Tertiary education
options
Residential, business
and industrial land
development
Albury Wodonga
Regional Deal
Permanent tree
plantings, nuts and citrus
Organic produce
Softwoods
Agriculture - beef, lamb,
wool, cotton, grains, rice,
dairy
Increase Aboriginal
land management eg
rangers program and
Werai Indigenous land
management
Connectivity
& Infrastructure
Human Capital
& Skills
Leadership
& Collaboration
Amenity
& Liveability
Sustainable
Natural
Resources
Regional
Employment
& Business
18RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
Regional Analysis
Connectivity
& Infrastructure
Human Capital
& Skills
Leadership
& Collaboration
Regional
Employment
& Business
Amenity
& Liveability
Sustainable
Natural
Resources
Address border
discounting. State
investment applying
equal criteria to like
regions
Telecommunications
infrastructure policy
and commitments.
Governments,
NBNCo, TelCos and
private investment in
technology/boosters/
repeaters etc
Bridges
RJO/RAMJO
MIL Prospectus
Natural gas to the region
Improving the minor
road network quality is
a critical industry access
issue (eg agriculture,
softwoods, workforce)
DoHA responsiveness
to community need,
meeting timelines and
legislative objectives
Aus Gov policy/
legislation to improve
workforce availability –
more regional migration
options, visa processing
times
Regional monitoring and
responding to wages
indexation and ination
Digital connectivity to
support access to remote
education, training, work
and Country University
Centres
Rural and remote
training options,
facilities targeting
growth sectors such as
irrigation, mechanics,
engineering, project
management, building
and construction and ICT
Continue Home Builder
Regional attraction
programs - replicate
Country Change and
Jobs Board
Incentives to encourage
locals to upskill and live
regionally by enrolling at
CSU and TAFE NSW
Digital connectivity to
participate remotely
In situ, place-based,
group learning options
Learning Hubs to
congregate and share
learning experiences
and create networks for
leadership
Local collaborations to
develop progressive or
sequential pathways to
leadership for targeting
diversity and inclusion
in regional leadership
groups
Formal avenues
for peak bodies to
advocate together and
collectively engage three
levels of government
simultaneously
Advanced manufacturing
Workforce shortage
especially childcare staff
and facilities, medical/
nursing/allied health
Support in situ
processing eg almond
processing plant in
Kyalite region
How to attract
businesses to create local
opportunities
Increase skilled migration
visas
Housing affordability,
diversity and quality of
stock
Automatically bring local
government and tourism
bodies information
together to produce
an invitation to visit/
stay and move to the
region and encourage
regionalisation eg create
an RDA Murray
Move to
the Murray
campaign
by synthesising council
and tourism body web
campaigns into one
regional website
Encourage the market/
pop-up economy to
bring amenity to small
rural communities
Invest in local
government growth
strategies
Aboriginal led National
Park and signicant
site development for
conservation
Develop National Park
and wildlife strategies
for conservation
Signage and promotion
to support awareness
and use of natural
resources
Partnerships with
environmental
authorities to promote
and enable local ‘spin-
offs’
Gaps - ie areas where investment will accelerate growth
19RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
Regional Snapshot
*
Population
137,686
(June 2022)
GRP
$9.4b
(2019-2020)
Non-Residential Approvals
$103b
(June 2022)
Residential Approvals
4
$434m
(March 2022)
Businesses
14,033
(2016)
Unemployment
5.3%
(June 2021)
Jobs
62,884
(2020)
Visitors
6
2m
(December 2021)
Visitor Spend
6
$538m
(December 2021)
Population Growth
5
0.32%
(June 2022)
Average Household Income
$73,910
(June 2022)
Indigenous Population
3.9
(% of population)
People Born Overseas
9.1
(% of population)
Average Age
41.8 years
(June 2022)
Our people
Our economy
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
Manufacturing
Healthcare & Social Assistance
Construction
Education & Training
Public Administration & Safety
$1.4b 7811 jobs
$828m 5095 jobs
$770m 9203 jobs
$731m 5513 jobs
$476m 5197 jobs
$462m 4227 jobs
* AEC Group Pty Ltd,
Murray Regional Economic Prole
,
June 2022, see Appendices p31.
Regional Snapshot
20RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
Trends and unique features
With its natural focus on Australia’s longest river,
the Murray region is blessed with an extraordinary
natural environment—resilient and varied landscapes
that belie climate change. Its proximity to Alpine,
metropolitan and coastal destinations puts our region
in prime position in terms of work and personal
lifestyles.
The Murray region is experiencing an unprecedented
scale of infrastructure development in both the
public and private sectors, across all industries,
and impacting all areas. As a consequence of this
signicant upswing in activity, there are increasing
pressures on our workforce, housing and service
sectors.
Direct daily ights from Albury link the region to
Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sunshine Coast and
Brisbane. 75% of Australia’s population can be
physically accessed within 24 hours of Albury
7
.
Economy
Our regional economy will be turbo-charged over the
next two to ve years through over $5 billion
3
being
invested in nationally signicant large infrastructure
projects which will build unprecedented workforce,
supply chain and services well beyond our wildest
dreams! There will be a peak in activity in 2023-2024.
The foundational industry of primary production is
experiencing the highest growth and largest outputs
year on year than ever before. Primary production
in our region is relatively resilient to climate change
with an exceptionally secure water supply and diverse
landscapes.
Key industries
• Agriculture: A highly productive, diverse and
thriving agricultural region worth over $1 billion
8
pa (cropping and livestock) and niche agricultural
processing (eg Moama Abattoir Co-op)
• Horticulture: Including citrus, grapes (wine and
table) and nut production (almond and pistachio)
• Manufacturing: Competitive and cutting-edge
businesses with talented workforces provide
high-quality products to our region, Australia and
the world
• Forestry: Sustainable forestry plantations with
stable long-term ownership are adopting new
technologies for continued competitiveness
• Visitor Economy: A wealth of natural assets
supported by considerable tourism infrastructure
contributes $538 million
6
pa to our region
• Education and training: Charles Sturt University,
TAFE NSW, independent and public schools,
complemented by cross-border facilities in
Wodonga and Mildura
• Retail: Major department and chain stores
through to boutique and speciality stores
• Service: The Murray region attracts retirees and
has a fast growing and responsive health care
and social assistance sector featuring a range of
public and private, large and boutique specialist
disability support, aged care, child care and
welfare providers.
Country driveway leading to the Mungo Lodge in Mungo National Park.
Regional Snapshot
21RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
Enabling investment opportunities
This general economic boom presents an opportunity
to establish and secure local business and social
practices and behaviours that lead to enduring
resilience and growth.
Investing in health and social services, housing,
digital connectivity and a skilled and educated
workforce will fortify gains in attracting and retaining
population and economic growth in the region.
There are particular opportunities within the RDA
Murray region to engage in government relations
strategies to support a variety of public, private
partnership projects that will move towards
addressing these identied gaps. For example:
• Albury-Wodonga Regional Deal
• Albury Health Precinct
• Murray Irrigation Limited infrastructure and
environmental projects
• Edward River Council Agrimaster plan
•
Light/State
• Moama Bridge Arts.
While water strategy is a key feature in many
stakeholder plans, the opportunity lies in productive
and environmental water use efciencies and
collaboration to achieve optimal outcomes and
management aligned with MDBA policy and plans.
• Murray Region Forestry Hub
• Trentham Cliffs development
• Murray River Adventure Trail
• Circular economy industry development
• Renewable energy, Windlab and solar
developments
• Primary produce manufacturing in situ
• Manufacturing automation
• Freight hubs
• Flexible housing and accommodation programs
• Airport add-ons
Investment opportunities
22RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
Regional Development Priorities 2022-2025
National Priority Foundations
for Regional Growth
Strategy Actions Outcomes
1. Connectivity & Infrastructure
2. Human Capital & Skills
Improve digital
infrastructure,
communication and
literacy, and accessibility
Develop multi-modal
links and hubs to drive
freight transport,
visitation and tourism,
logistics and warehousing
Creating networked and
knowledgeable learning
communities capable of
attracting, connecting
and retaining workforce
1. Engage with Australian
Government connectivity
programs eg
Connecting
Regional Australia
initiative and NBN Co
xed wireless and satellite
upgrade
2. Capitalise on local
Regional Tech Hub
3. Support facilitation and
coordination to inform
investment initiatives eg
Albury-Wodonga Regional
Deal and Infrastructure
Australia large projects
4. Engage SecureEnergy
investment in legacy
infrastructure hubs in
Wentworth & Balranald
LGAs
1. Lead innovative
development, attraction
and retention of an
adaptable and skilled
new workforce and
welcome newcomers for
population growth
2. Incentivise workforce
through investment in
amenity and liveability
3. Connect potential
employees with employers
4. Collaborate with TAFEs
& universities to align
leadership and workforce
skill development
and deliver maximum
relevant and viable
courses
The
Australian Digital
Inclusion Index
score for the region
improves
Murray producers
have better freight
and supply chain
access and local
infrastructure plans
are progressed
towards their apogee
Accelerated
development of
intermodal freight
hubs, tourism
offerings and
warehousing
investment
More people working
in more jobs in the
region
More courses delivered
in the region
New workforce
recruitment and
retention options in
the region
RDA Murray, RAMJO,
DITRDC, NBN Co, Telcos
RDA Murray, RAMJO,
DITRDC, NBN Co, Telcos
DITRDC
SecureEnergy JV,
Wentworth & Balranald
LGAs, Mildura Regional
Development, Regional
NSW
RDA Murray, DESE,
Local Jobs Program,
NSW GROW, Training
Services NSW, DoHA,
NSW Investment
DITRDC
RDA Murray
CSU, Latrobe, Wodonga
TAFE, TAFE NSW,
UNSW Medical School,
Wangaratta MCCC GP
Training
Prime Parties
23RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
Regional Development Priorities 2022-2025
National Priority Foundations
for Regional Growth
Strategy Actions Outcomes
3. Leadership & Collaboration
Model ethical leadership
and inclusion of diverse
perspectives
Collaborate for stronger
and more attuned
collective impact
1. Support the delivery of
leadership and governance
training initiatives
2. Facilitate connections
between all government,
community and private
industry levels to identify
solutions
3. Support inclusive and
diverse participation in
leadership roles so that all
the region’s demographics
are represented and visible
in leadership settings
More ideas are
converted into
reality (ie functional
economic drivers)
More community
members participate
in regional leadership
opportunities
More diverse leaders
are identied in local
media.
RDA Murray, CSU, all
LGAs, AICD, CLP, ARLF
RDA Murray, LGAs,
peak industry and
sector bodies
Multicultural NGOs,
Multicultural
NSW, RDA Murray,
LGAs, Aboriginal
organisations
Prime Parties
4. Regional Employment
& Business
Accelerate capacity
building and economic
diversication
1. Discover and
advocate for continued
innovation and expansion
opportunities especially
value adding to processing
primary production where
it is produced
2. Integrate systems
to engage and develop
economic participation
of marginalised groups
(Aboriginal, women,
people living with
disability, young people)
3. Optimise connectivity
with international
contemporary best
practice to increase
regional uptake of best
practice
4. Deliver programs
through local agencies to
encourage regionalisation
as opposed to
centralisation
More novel economic
opportunities are
realised earlier than
otherwise expected
Increased ow-
on investment in
local ofces and
procurement
RDA Murray, Business
NSW/Murray Riverina,
Mildura Regional
Development, Regional
NSW, Investment
NSW, AI Group, ICN, all
industry groups and
associations
RDA Murray, Regional
NSW, DESE, Training
Services NSW, RDAS,
Aboriginal peak bodies
and LGAs
RDA Murray,
AusIndustry, AusTrade,
Business NSW, Defence,
Regional NSW
RDA Murray, peak
bodies, all levels of
government
24RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
National Priority Foundations
for Regional Growth
Strategy Actions Outcomes Prime Parties
5. Amenity & Liveability
6. Sustainable Natural
Resources
Build world standard
housing, health,
education, leisure
and recreational
opportunities, for all
Champion behaviours
that preserve, conserve
and regenerate our
natural resources
(focussing on water,
vegetation, soil and
carbon) to address
climate change
1. Address housing
affordability and range
of stock. Encourage
innovative accommodation
programs eg audits and
shared housing projects.
2. Support seamless
access to quality health
and education services eg
Albury-Wodonga Regional
Deal. Explore models for
equitable delivery to
rural communities
3. Advocate for
equitable access to
housing, healthcare,
education, recreation and
opportunities to socialise
4. Support the creation of
touring economies
through markets, arts,
crafts, food and other
cultural events
5. Active transport/public
transport
6. Advocacy for high
quality, accessible,
sustainable and
inclusive public spaces
1. Support the optimal
management of resources
for future generations
2. Facilitate a sustainable
region by 2030
3. Foster circular
economies
4. Support Murray
Landcare Collective, a
dynamic primary producer
and land manager learning
community
5. Support Aboriginal land
management
More equitable
housing, healthcare,
recreational and
education services
exist in the Murray
Region
Normalising the use of
sustainable practices
eg alternative energy
sources, circular use
of waste and lower
emissions vehicles
NSW & local
government, MBAV
& MBANSW
NSW Government,
DITRDC
RDA Murray and peak
bodies
DNSW, Regional NSW
NSW Transport,
Regional NSW
LGAs, NSW Planning,
Regional NSW
DAWE, RDA Murray,
MDBA, NSW and local
government, Murray
LLS
DAWE, NFF/NSWF,
Landcare
NSW & local
government, NPWS,
MLC
Southern Innovation &
Drought Hub, NSW EES,
NSW Cultural Heritage
NSW Cultural Heritage,
Aboriginal CWPs, NIAA,
NPWS, MLC, NRRA
Regional Development Priorities 2022-2025
Strategic Regional Plan Methodology
25RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
We recognise our Strategic Regional Plan (SRP) as a
dynamic document which records our region’s basis
for economic development activity. We were guided
in its development by the aim of providing a wide
range of stakeholders, potential investors and policy-
makers with a better understanding of the region.
RDA Murray’s SRP should assist regional
development stakeholders and communities to
identify comparative advantages, manage regional
growth pressures, identify opportunities and address
economic development and infrastructure needs,
all the while taking into account Federal, State and
Local Government plans. The SRP aims to help our
region make the most of future opportunities, the
evolving Australian economy and changes to the
demographics of Australian society.
After key stakeholders agreed on a set of common
needs and priorities, our SRP was developed by
taking a consultative and evidence-based approach.
It was important to ensure the Plan reected both
quantitative data and the rich, in-depth insight
offered by key stakeholders throughout the region.
However we aim to be concise!
Kayaking on the Murray River, Barmah National Park
The consultation process included:
• Multiple discussions with the RDA Murray Board
• Interviews with key stakeholders from across
the region including representatives from local
government authorities, health boards, industry
and tourism bodies, MSEAT, private enterprise,
NSW Farmers and MDBA
• Surveying key stakeholders in relation to each of
the Commonwealth’s regional priorities.
We considered a range of planning documents
including the priorities of Australian, NSW and Local
Governments:
• Commonwealth Murray Riverina Local Jobs Plan
• NSW 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW
• NSW Regional Economic Development Strategies
(Albury, Murray, Snowy Valleys, Western Murray
and Western Riverina)
• NSW Regional Housing Taskforce Report
• NSW Riverina Murray Regional Plan Statement of
Strategic Regional Priorities
• Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation Statement
of Strategic Regional Priorities
• RDA Murray Strategic Plan
• Ten Local Government Associations’ strategic plans.
Successful planning depends on working with
stakeholders invested in our region and we always
welcome their feedback.
RDA Murray Stakeholders
26RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
Australian Federal Government
Australian Federal Ministers and Members
of Parliament
Attorney-General’s Department
Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment
Department of Defence
Department of Education, Skills and Employment
Department of Home Affairs
Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional
Development and Communications
NSW Local Government
Albury City Council
Balranald Shire Council
Berrigan Shire Council
Edward River Council
Federation Council
Greater Hume Shire Council
Snowy Valleys Council
Wentworth Shire Council
Far South West Joint Organisation
Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation
NSW State Government
NSW Ministers and Members of Parliament
Department of Communities and Justice
Ageing and Disability Commission
Multicultural NSW
NSW Police Force
NSW Rural Fire Service
Resilience NSW
Department of Customer Service
Service NSW
Department of Education
TAFE NSW
Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade
Create NSW
Destination NSW
Investment NSW
Department of Regional NSW
Cross-Border Commissioner
Department of Transport
Infrastructure NSW
NSW Health
Other Entities
Aged Care service providers
Albury Community Working Party
AusTrade Export
Australian Industry Group
Australian Institute of Company Directors
Australian Rail Track Corporation
Australian Rural Leadership Foundation
Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service
Albury Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council
Albury Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau
Barkindji Maraura Elders Environment Team Limited
Business NSW Murray Riverina
BEC South West Advisory
Cancer Council NSW
Charles Sturt University
Committee for Echuca Moama
Committee for Sustainable Economic Growth
for Regional Australia
Deniliquin Ute Muster
Destination Riverina Murray
Golf on the Murray
Henty Machinery Field Days
Industry Capability Network
Infrastructure Australia
Local Aboriginal Lands Councils
Master Builders NSW and Victoria
Mildura Regional Development
Muray Arts
Murray Darling Association
Murray Darling Basin Authority
Murray Irrigation
Murray Region Forestry Hub
Murray Regional Landcare (Landcare and
producer groups)
Murray Regional Tourism
RDA Murray Stakeholders
27RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
NBNCo
NDIS providers (disability services and
support organisations)
Kirinari Community Services
Community Living and Respite Services
NSW Farmers
Regional Disabilty Advocacy Service
Regional NSW
Rice Growers Australia
Riverina Murray Regional Alliance
Robinvale Euston Workforce Network
SecureEnergy Joint Venture
Softwoods Working Group
South West Arts
Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council
Tourism Australia
Transgrid
Upper Murray Inc
Victorian Cross-Border Commissioner
Wentworth/Dareton Community Working Party
Wentworth Regional Tourism Inc
Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre Aboriginal
Corporation
Murray Valley Sanctuary Refugee Group’s 15-year celebration
Abbreviations & Acronyms
The abbreviations and acronyms in the following list are
referred to throughout this document.
ABS: Australian Bureau of Statistics
AICD: Australian Institute of Company Directors
AIGroup: Australian Industry Group
ARLF: Australian Regional Leadership Foundation
ARTC: Australian Rail Track Corporation
Aus Government: Regional Development Australia
BEC: Business Enterprise Centre
BMEET: Barkindji Maraura Elders Environment Team Limited
CLP: Community Leadership Programs
CRJO: Canberra Region Joint Organisation
CSU: Charles Sturt University
CUC: Country University Centres
CWP: Community Working Party
DAWE: Department of Agriculture, Water and the
Environment
DCJ Housing: NSW Department of Communities and Justice
DESE: Department of Education, Skills and Employment
DISER: Department of Industry, Science, Energy and
Resources
DITRDC: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional
Development and Communications
DNSW: Destination New South Wales
DoHA: Department of Home Affairs
DPE: NSW Department of Planning and Environment
DPI: NSW Department of Primary Industries
DRM: Destination Riverina Murray
EES: Environment, Energy and Science Group (DPE)
FWJO: Far West Joint Organisation
28RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
GRP: Gross Regional Product
ICN: Industry Capability Network
ICT: Information Communications Technology
JO: Joint Organisation of Councils
LaTrobe: Latrobe University
LGAs: Local Government Areas
LJP: Local Jobs Program
LLS: Local Landcare Services NSW
MBA: Master Builders Association
MCCCGP: Murray City Country Coast General Practitioner
Training
MDBA: Murray Darling Basin Authority
MIL: Murray Irrigation Limited
MLC: Murray Landcare Collective
MRD: Mildura Regional Development
MRFH: Murray Region Forestry Hub
MRT: Murray Regional Tourism
MSEAT: Murray Socio-Economic Activation Taskforce
NBN Co: National Broadband Network Company
NDIA: National Disability Insurance Agency
NDIS: National Disability Insurance Scheme
NEC: National Environment Centre
NFF: National Farmers Federation
NGO: Non Government Organisation
NIAA: National Indigenous Australia Agency
NPWS: National Parks and Wildlife Service
NRHA: National Rural Health Alliance
NRRA: National Recovery and Resilience Agency
Murrumbidgee River swing bridge at Balranald
Abbreviations & Acronyms
NSW Education: NSW Department of Education
NSW EES: New South Wales Environment, Energy & Science
NSW Far Western: refers to the NSW Government-dened
region
NSWF: New South Wales Farmers Association
NSW Government: refers to the NSW Government in its
entirety
NSW Riverina Murray: refers to the NSW Government-
dened region
Nufeld: Nufeld Farming Scholarships Trust
RAMJO: Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation
RDAS: Regional Disability Advisory Services
RDC: Rural Research and Development Corporation
REDS NSW: Regional Economic Development Strategies
New South Wales for the Snowy Valleys, Albury-Wodonga,
Western Murray and Murray regions
REDS VIC: Regional Economic Development Strategies
Victoria for the Ovens, Murray-Goulburn, Loddon-Campaspe
and Mallee regions
Regional NSW: Department of Regional New South Wales
29RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
REROC: Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils
RFS: Rural Fire Service
RGA: Rice Growers Association
RJO: Riverina Joint Organisation
RMRA: Riverina Murray Regional Alliance
SEGRA: Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia
SWG: Softwoods Working Group
Southern Drought Hub: Southern NSW Drought Resilience
Adoption and Innovation Hub
TAFE NSW: Tertiary and Further Education New South Wales
TSNSW: Training Services New South Wales
UNSW Medical School: University of New South Wales
Medical School
References
1. Regional Development Australia Charter, October 2020.
https://www.rda.gov.au/sites/default/les/documents/rda-charter.pdf (p6).
2. Infrastructure Australia,
Regional Strengths & Infrastructure Gaps, Regional Analysis: New South Wales
,
March 2022, p60.
https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/les/2022-03/3_RSIG_Regional%20Analysis_NSW.pdf
(p10).
3. Murray Socio-Economic Activation Taskforce summary projection.
https://www.rdamurray.org.au/index.php/news/regional-intelligence (p6, p8, p20).
4. Building ApprovalsApril 21-March 22. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Housing Data.
https://www.housingdata.gov.au/visualisation/housing-market/building-approvals-local-government-area (p19).
5. Australian Bureau of Statistics, Regional population 2020-21: population change.
https://absstats.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=bd429dcf68a74a4896c0cac2951f0bf3 (p19).
6.
The Murray Visitor Prole
Year ended December 2021. Source: National and International Visitor Surveys,
Tourism Research Australia.
https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/travel-to-the-murray-ye-december-2021.pdf
(p19, p20).
7. Invest Albury Wodonga, Connected Location
https://www.investalburywodonga.com.au/why/connected-location (p20).
8. NSW Department of Primary Industries,
Agriculture Industry Snapshot for Planning
, August 2020. (p20).
Murray Sub Region
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_le/0006/1260492/Murray-Snapshot.pdf
Lower Murray Sub Region
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_le/0004/1260490/Lower-Murray-Snapshot.pdf
30RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
RDA
M
urray
P
ro
g
ram
L
o
gic
National Priority Foundations for Regional Growth
Inputs
• $265,000
• Volunteer Board
• DRD-CEO 1.0FTE
• EA 0.6FTE
• Comms & Projects
0.6FTE
• MSEAT
• NSW RDA Network
• National RDA
Network
• Dept. Infrastructure
Transport, Regional
Development and
Communications
• Assistant Minister
Regional
Development
• No. of Jobs
• Amount of
Investment
• No. or amount of
procurement
• No. of activities
• No. of submissions
• No. of meetings
• No. of
Communications
Sustainable
Natural
Resources
Collect and analyse
data and narrative
Online learning
opportunities improve
applications
Prepare a Regional
Strategic Plan - MSEAT
Riverina Murray
Jobs Board
3 workshops: digital
connectivity, business
development, people
development
Facilitate regional economic
development outcomes,
investment, jobs and local
procurement
Promote greater regional
awareness of and
engagement with Aus Gov
policies, grant programs
and research
Contribute to regional policy
making by providing
intelligence and evidence
based advice to Aus Gov on
regional development issues
MSEAT
Communications
AP submissions,
RIBs,
Ministerial/MP/Departmental
engagement
Amenity
&
Liveability
Regional
Employment
& Business
Leadership
&
Collaboration
Human
Capital
& Skills
Connectivity
&
Infrastructure
Outputs
Outcomes
Activities
Murray Regional strategies to achieve outcomes
,
Appendices
31RDA Murray Strategic Regional Plan 2022-2025 |
RDA Murray Program Logic
Murray Region Economic Prole
This link is live and regularly updated.
https://dataau.com.au/pdf/619edb926501e
Source: RDA Murray 2021
Source: AEC Group Pty Ltd
Regional Development Australia Murray Inc
2/566 Kiewa Street
Albury NSW 2640
(02) 6060 2491
edwina.hayes@rdamurray.org.au
www.rdamurray.org.au
