Regional Development Programs

Background:

Dairy Australia relies on regional information to assist in strategic planning and prioritising investment. It also needs the resources to manage investment and operations at a regional level. To achieve this, regional development programs (RDPs) were set up in each of Australia's 8 dairy regions.

Project objective:

Improve outcomes for farmers by collecting regional specific needs and priorities, and managing projects and operational activities at a regional level. 

Project scope:

Each RDP has its own Constitution, Board and Executive. Their base funding is provided by Dairy Australia, but each RDP leverages significant funding from other sources. RDP roles and responsibilities include:

• Providing industry with a better understanding of regional needs
• Coordinating the investment of DA funds allocated to the region
• Providing the region with the capacity to develop and implement R,D&E
• Attracting other funding for R,D&E
• empowering the local dairy industry and building leadership capacity,
• Providing a point of contact, advice and referral on regional dairy industry issues

Outcomes/benefits:

RDPs benefit farmers by ensuring that regional needs and research priorities are communicated to DA, as well as coordinating the investment of DA and other funds within the region.

RDPs source co-investment from government and the private sector. This leverage of levy funds is very significant.

The structure of the RDPs also empowers the local industry and builds leadership capability.

More information:

For more information, contact Ross Bawden, Dairy Australia Regional Development Programs Business Manager