Regional Development Australia Adelaide (RDAA) is part of a national network dedicated to driving economic growth and opportunity across regional Australia. Funded by the Australian Government’s Regional Development Australia Program, RDA Adelaide works in close partnership with the seven regional RDAs to inspire positive, lasting change for our state.

By uniting key stakeholders, RDA Adelaide unlocks the potential of South Australia’s regions and highlights their vital contribution to our state’s future. We champion sustainable economic and community growth that benefits everyone.

We collaborate, advocate, and use evidence-based policy to ensure all South Australians benefit from vibrant regions and shared opportunities. As strategic connectors, we bring together the right data, partners, and timing to help others succeed.
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Our Role

We tackle key challenges like workforce, housing, water, and infrastructure by bringing together data, policy, and practical solutions. Our role is to deliver research and develop capabilities that help regional South Australia thrive now and into the future.

RDA Adelaide leads and collaborates on economic development issues spanning regions. By combining regional intelligence and policy insight, we help to inform government decisions and align statewide priorities for maximum impact.

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The role of RDA Adelaide as a capital city RDA

As the capital city RDA, we work with both city-based stakeholders and regional partners to advocate for and promote South Australia’s regional areas. We are passionate influencers advancing the interests of our regions.

RDA Adelaide plays a crucial role in advancing the prosperity and growth of regional South Australia. We collaborate closely with Regional Development SA and the seven regional RDAs to support key priorities, including:

• Establishment of and advocacy for shared, agreed strategic priorities and catalytic projects that enable sustainable regional economic and population growth, a healthy environment, and thriving communities.
• Delivery of regional economic development sustainability and growth outcomes by advocating for effective, evidence-based (and where required, place-based) research, programs, and policy.
• Delivery of regional research, programs, policies, and project implementation to help align efforts across governments and other key stakeholders, aligned with shared priorities.
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Projects & Programs

RDA Adelaide coordinates statewide initiatives on behalf of the SA RDA network, such as the Regional Blueprint, Infrastructure Prioritisation, and the annual RDSA Summit. These initiatives combine evidence and priorities from across the regions to inform government decisions and ensure cross-regional alignment.

Funding

‍The Regional Development Australia Program is funded by the Australian Government and administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. RDA Adelaide operates under the Regional Development Australia Charter and a Commonwealth Funding Agreement.

RDA Adelaide is supported through funding and in-kind contributions from the South Australian Government, through the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA), and the Local Government Association of South Australia, on behalf of South Australian councils.
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Mission

‍To strengthen regional South Australia by fostering positive and productive relationships between Regional Development Australia organisations, all levels of government, industry, academia and communities.
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Values

‍RDA Adelaide’s work is guided by collaboration, integrity, evidence-based decision-making, transparency and a commitment to improving economic outcomes for South Australia’s regions.