The Federal and Northern Territory governments have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that cements a partnership approach to investment in Regional Development (RDA) NT.

 

Territory Regional Development Malarndirri McCarthy and Federal Regional Australia Minister Simon Crean signed the MoU at the fourth meeting of the Northern Australia Ministerial Forum (NAMF) in Alice Springs.

 

Mr Crean said the agreement built on the first MOU signed in 2009, and represented a significant strengthening of regional development ties between the two governments.

 

"This is a landmark agreement which confirms the importance of a partnership approach to regional development in the Northern Territory," Mr Crean said.

 

"The agreement is based on a strong partnership between governments that will join the dots between regional development activities, policies and programs.

 

"As a result, a new regional officer will be permanently located in Alice Springs to be the eyes and ears of the RDA and help identify and develop local projects.

 

"It underscores the importance of partnerships, because no one government alone can fund the massive demand for infrastructure in this country.

 

Minister McCarthy said the revised MOU refreshes the partnership between all governments on regional development.

 

"The RDA NT committee is chaired by Damien Ryan, President of the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory and represents interests from sectors across the Territory including two representatives from the local government sector to ensure local government is engaged in regional development," Ms McCarthy said.