Regional Development Programs
Purpose
Regional Development Programs (RDPs) were established in the 1990s in each of the dairying regions of Australia. They are independent entities and provide the national dairy industry with a unique perspective of the dairying regions across Australia.
The objective of the RDPs is to drive region-specific innovation in research and extension throughout Australia’s dairying areas through the use of regional knowledge and skills.
Funding
The RDPs are funded by Dairy Australia, and also secure other state, federal and community contributions.
In 2008/09, Dairy Australia allocated a total of $3.28m to the RDPs. This funding is divided between the 8 regions approximately based on the proportion of the national milk produced in that region, but taking into account a minimum operating budget for smaller RDPs and additional costs incurred by geographically dispersed regions.
Roles
The roles of the RDPs are to:
- Provide the national industry with a better understanding of issues, needs and opportunities in the region.
- Co-ordinate the investment of available funds within the region.
- Enable the region to develop and implement regionally-focused research, development, extension, education and industry development activities.
- Attract funding for research, development, extension, education and industry development to the region.
- Empower their local dairy industry and build leadership capacity.
- Create knowledge of industry investment amongst dairy farmers in the region.
What regions are covered?
For more information, please contact:
| Contact |
Chris Murphy |
|---|
| Title |
Regional Development Program Business Manager |
|---|
| Department |
Farm Productivity and Delivery |
|---|
| Phone |
+ 61 3 9694 3864 |
|---|
| Email |
Chris Murphy |
|---|
| Contact |
Steve Coats |
|---|
| Title |
Group Manager |
|---|
| Department |
Farm Productivity and Delivery |
|---|
| Phone |
+ 61 3 9694 3824 |
|---|
| Email |
Stephen Coats |
|---|
See RDP Contacts for contact details of each Program.