Former MidCoast Council administrator and Member for Myall Lakes, John Turner has been appointed Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter chair.
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Mr Turner has a long working association within the Hunter region; Mr Turner served on the Greater Cessnock City Council and established a number of businesses in the area.
He has been a member of Regional Development Australia Hunter for three years, firstly as deputy chair and acting chair.
“I welcome the appointment of Mr John Turner as chair of RDA Hunter,” Federal Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government, John McVeigh said.
“Mr Turner’s demonstrated deep commitment to the Hunter region, strong background in both local and state government, combined with his legal background makes him the perfect candidate to lead RDA Hunter,” Dr McVeigh said.
“RDAs are key contributors to regional economic development. RDA committees are highly valued facilitators of initiatives that grow local economies, promote opportunities and attract investment; this in turn provides confidence to regional areas.”
Mr Turner extended his thanks to the Minister for the appointment and said he looked forward to enhancing regional development in the Hunter.
''The committee has a charter to identify economic development opportunities that leverage the private and public sector within the area as well as connecting the Hunter area with industry sectors, international trade partners, financial markets, regional entrepreneurs and business leaders to attract investors to explore new opportunities to grow local jobs in the region,” Mr Turner said.
"RDA Hunter already has in place a nation leading STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program delivered to primary and high schools.
“Our STEM Workforce Initiative also facilitates vocational courses to enhance the Hunter workforce and industry potential – particularly in the Hunter’s defence industry.”
Mr Turner said other parts of the organisation's charter, as provided by the Federal Government, included:
- Developing and maintaining positive working relations with local government bodies;
- Assisting in delivery of Australian Government programs including public and private sector decentralisation;
- Promoting and disseminating information on Australian Government policies and grant programs and supporting community stakeholders in the Hunter to develop proposals to access funding.
Mr Turner said RDA Hunter wold shortly advertise for the positions of deputy chair and committee members.
The new committee will be operative from July 1.
"RDA Hunter's board held meetings with local leaders and its board meeting in Scone this week, in recognition of the changing economic dynamic in the Upper Hunter,” Mr Turner said.
For further information contact John Turner 0400 189 233 or director, Trevor John, 4940 8355.
