Regional Development Australia Goldfields Esperance Incorporated

Regional Development Australia Goldfields Esperance Incorporated (RDA Goldfields Esperance) is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to fostering economic development and enhancing the liveability of the Goldfields Esperance region in Western Australia. It operates as part of the national Regional Development Australia (RDA) network, which comprises federally funded not-for-profit entities aimed at supporting regional growth through coordinated community and government engagement.

Overview

RDA Goldfields Esperance is committed to promoting sustainable economic growth and vibrant communities across the Goldfields Esperance region, a vast area known for its mining, agriculture, fishing, transport, social services, and tourism industries. The organisation’s work is guided by the Australian Government’s Regional Investment Framework, which focuses on smart, responsible investments that enable regions to adapt and thrive regardless of their economic circumstances.

The organisation articulates a clear vision and mission emphasizing regional prosperity and community wellbeing:

• Vision: The Goldfields Esperance region is the place where everyone lives and thrives together.
• Mission: To leverage its voice to champion the alignment of federal programs and policies in the best interests of the region.

Governance and Operations

RDA Goldfields Esperance is governed by a volunteer committee comprising members drawn from the local community, business sector, government, and non-profit organisations. The Chairperson is appointed by the Minister for Regional Development. Committee members bring diverse skills and leadership experience intended to enhance collaboration across all levels of government and the broader community.

Funding for RDA Goldfields Esperance is provided by the Australian Government. These funds support approved projects, employment of staff, administrative functions, and the implementation of its charter.

Role and Activities

RDA Goldfields Esperance plays a facilitative role in the community and regional economy by:

• Providing intelligence and evidence-based advice to improve Commonwealth regional policy and development programs.
• Collaborating with government, business, and community organisations to leverage regional competitive advantages.
• Advocating for investment aligned with regional needs and opportunities.
• Supporting sustainable economic and community development initiatives.
• Enhancing social and economic outcomes to improve the quality of life across the region.

Regional Context

The Goldfields Esperance region covers a large geographical area including major towns such as Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Esperance, Coolgardie, Laverton, Leonora, Menzies, Norseman, Ravensthorpe, Warburton, and Wiluna. The region’s economy is characterized by diversity across key sectors including mining, agriculture, fishing, transport, social services, and tourism.

Relationship with Broader Regional Development Framework

RDA Goldfields Esperance operates within the broader network of RDA committees across Western Australia and the country, each focused on regional development tailored to their local contexts. The organisation coordinates closely with government initiatives and regional development commissions such as the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission to maximize the impact of economic and social programs.

RDA Goldfields Esperance plays a vital role in advocating for and delivering regional development strategies that aim to build strong, confident, and resilient communities in the Goldfields Esperance region, aligning local priorities with national policy frameworks.

[1] https://rdage.org.au [2] https://rdage.org.au/our-organisation/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/23a16689-38af-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60/profile [4] https://www.rda.gov.au/rda-network/western-australia/goldfields-esperance [5] https://www.gedc.wa.gov.au