RDA Riverina - facilitating regional growth and prosperity

The Australian Government is seeking public feedback on the Draft Upper Murrumbidgee River River - Drought Operating Framework, which outlines how water will be managed during drought conditions over the next two years.

On August 6, 2025, Regional Development Australia (RDA) NSW & ACT brought together a powerful coalition of regional leaders, government officials, and community advocates at NSW Parliament House for the Friends of Regional NSW event.

A ground breaking trial of new rail safety technology has officially launched at the Callaghans Lane Level Crossing near Quirindi, marking a major step forward in protecting regional communities from level crossing accidents.

The Australian Government has announced a major investment of over $63 million to improve road safety and infrastructure across regional and rural communities. This funding, delivered through the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP), will support 23 new projects aimed at saving lives, reducing travel times, and enhancing connectivity.

National Skills Week 2025 is set to run from 25-31 August, spotlighting the transformative power of Vocational Education and Training (VET) especially in regional and remote Australia, where demand for skilled workers is rapidly rising.

The Australian Government has announced an $8 million investment in the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital to support the development of a new research and education facility. This funding is part of the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program and aims to enhance wildlife care, research, and community education.

Last week we hosted An Evening with the Australian Defence Force at the CSU Riverina Playhouse. This significant evening brought together senior Defence leaders, government officials, educators, and industry stakeholders to spotlight the national and regional importance of Defence assets located in the Riverina-Murray.

Regional farming leaders have issued an urgent call for immediate financial and practical support at the Southern NSW Drought Summit, held on Monday, 4 August.

Eastern Riverina Arts (ERA) is on the lookout for a creative, strategic and multi-skilled Communications and Engagement Coordinator to shape the voice and presence of one of the region’s leading arts organisations.

RMIT Online, in collaboration with Deloitte Access Economics, has released a powerful new sustainability report titled “Towards a Green-Skilled Workforce” and it’s a wakeup call for Australian businesses.

A new report has highlighted a joint emergency response by five local councils in northern Victoria during the 2022 floods, one of the most severe weather events in the state’s history.

The EnergyConnect project team are continuing to advance construction activities on the transmission line from Dinawan, NSW to Wagga Wagga via Lockhart.

icare has officially launched its new, state-of-the-art Lung Health Mobile Clinic, continuing a long-standing commitment to supporting the respiratory health of workers across New South Wales.

A new resource from RE-Alliance, an independent not-for-profit, is helping farmers, landholders and regional communities understand what happens when renewable energy projects like wind and solar farms reach the end of their operational life.

The committee in Investment, Industry and Regional Development held a public hearing in Griffith on 23 July 2025. This inquiry was established to examine and report on the impacts of the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Act 2023 on NSW regional communities.

On 19 Jun 2025, Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager at RDA Riverina, proudly attended the NSW Training Awards for the Riverina region, held at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.

Our Local Connector Jay, participated in a Strategic Plan Consultation hosted by Multicultural NSW at the International Hotel Wagga Wagga on June 3rd, 2025.

This important evening held on the 6 August 2025, will bring together senior Defence leaders, government officials, educators, and industry stakeholders to highlight the national and regional importance of Defence assets located in the Riverina-Murray.

Inland Rail is Australia’s largest infrastructure projects, and it’s shaping the future of freight transport across the country. To ensure the project continues to meet the needs of local communities, Inland Rail is inviting feedback through a short survey.

Wagga Wagga City Council has released the draft of the Local Housing Strategy and Interim Affordable Housing Paper for public feedback, outlining a bold vision to meet the city’s growing housing needs.

Australians impacted by domestic, family, and sexual violence will soon have stronger protections when dealing with telecommunications providers, thanks to a new mandatory industry standard introduces by the Australian Government.

Major upgrades and construction works are reshaping transport and infrastructure across the Riverina, with new bridge designs, environmental surveys, and growing local job opportunities. Inland Rail’s latest update highlights progress in Wagga Wagga, June, and beyond.

The Australian Government is bringing forward over $1.7 billion in untied financial assistance to councils across Australia, representing 50% of the 2025-26 Financial Assistance Grant allocations. The funds will be paid before 30 June to support essential local services and shovel-ready projects.

Dr Joe McGirr MP, Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, invites you to complete his survey and share your experience of regional and rural healthcare and roads.

The HumeLink project, one of Australia's largest energy infrastructure initiatives, is set to revolutionize the nation's energy landscape. This ambitious project aims to connect renewable energy sources to the grid, enhancing availability, market competition, and putting downward pressure on energy prices.

Last Month, RDA Riverina staff members Marg Couch (Manager Griffith Projects), and Katie Pastro (Projects Officer) one of the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) community and business forums hosted by EnergyCo. These events brought together local residents, businesses, and project partners to discuss the exciting developments underway in the region’s renewable energy future.

From 1 July 2025, skilled visa income thresholds will increase by 4.6%. This is in conjunction with changes to the annual Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE).

Economic Development Australia (EDA) has announced the passing of the Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) Bill 2025 by the NSW Government last month. A landmark move that will make it easier for communities to establish CIDs and drive local economic growth.

Regional and remote communities across Australia are set to benefit from a major arts funding boost, with over $700,000 awarded to 18 creative projects through round 20 of the Australian Government’s Festivals Australia Program.

More than $28 million has been distributed to Australian authors, illustrators, and publishers, as part of the Australian Governments Public and Educational Lending Right (PLR/ELR) Schemes.