Regional and remote communities know what they need, collaboration is key… doing what we have always done will not generate different results.   According to the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development approximately two thirds of the nation’s export earnings derive from industries in the regional areas, including agriculture, tourism, retail, services and manufacturing (2016).  Therefore it can be acknowledged that the sustainability and future of Australia is reliant on the development of regional areas.

The 4^th Australian Regional Development Conference will be held at Novotel Coffs Harbour Pacific Bay Resort from Monday 11 – Tuesday 12 September 2017. This conference will focus on issues surrounding the Economy, Planning, Environment and Community Development while considering the “State of the Regions Report” which called for support of regional economic development through diverse infrastructure investments determined by regional priorities in partnership with Local Government.  It has been recognized that without the implementation of this approach, there will be significant costs on the national economy, as it will limit the growth of rural, regional and metropolitan areas.

“We aim to advance economic and social outcomes, examine regional inequality and provide a pathway to discuss the challenges, opportunities and future of Regional Australia.” said Conference Chair, Tony McBurney.

The Program will address;

• Economic Development Opportunities for Business and Job Creation
• Social Inclusion issues of Unemployment; Education Completion Rates, Health Delivery and Community Development
• Planning and Building Challenges of Land Use Application, Refurbishment and Renewal in a Regional Setting
• Sustainability and Liveable Communities Principles
• How to meet Challenging and Uncertain times; Climate Change, Population Shifts, Natural Disasters, Droughts, Commodity Price Fluctuations and Agriculture Adjustments
• Infrastructure Challenges: Freight to Distribute Products from Regional Australia to Urban and Overseas Export Markets

There will be an extensive range of topics with over 50 Featured and Expert Presenters, Concurrent Sessions, Case Studies, Workshops and Poster Presentations.