One of the most significant tasks to be undertaken by RDA ACT is to produce and publish a strategic Regional Plan - a comprehensive and living document that will not only underpin the work and priorities of the RDA ACT Committee, but will also provide an agenda for the commonwealth and ACT governments in the formulation of policies that impact on our regional catchment.  As a first step, RDA ACT is compiling a current state-of-the-region report - building on the work of the Capital Region ACC, consulting widely with regional stakeholders and and incorporating information provided in a broad range of regional reports and plans. 

RDA ACT's strategic Regional Plan will help to attract investment and encourage business growth in the ACT region.  It will provide an holistic snapshot of the attributes, key issues, behaviours, needs and advantages and the unique characteristics and priorities of the ACT region.  It will explore economic, environmental and social factors and set out a vision for the region, describing the drivers of change, identifying strengths, opportunities and weaknesses and listing priorities for action.   It will be guided by the following principles:

• integrate, not duplicate, existing regional plans, and inform and be informed by other planning processes, linkages and partnerships;
• be inclusive of Australian, state or territory and local government priorities;
• articulate a strategy for the region, with all stakeholders contributing to its development;
• refer to sub-regional and cross-regional aspects and, where appropriate, cross-RDA Committee issues; and
• recognise geographic and demographic issues within the community and be inclusive of specific groups in the region.

RDA ACT will work closely with key regional stakeholders, consulting widely so the Regional Plan reflects the knowledge, experience and interests of all.  Information contained in existing regional planning documents developed by a range of organisations will be consolidated into this overarching document.  The Regional Plan will become a major promotional tool that demonstrates to governments and to the community that RDA ACT recognises both the government priorities for the region, and the issues and aspirations of local communities. 

Information to be included:

• a geographic map of the region;
• key social, economic and environmental data and analysis;
• details of the industry and employment base;
• key stakeholders across the community, and across RDA borders;
• details of infrastructure, including education, health and science/research facilities;
• details of strategic advantages, strengths and opportunities for the region;
• a long term vision for the region; and
• a strategy to grow and strengthen the region, including priorities, partnership arrangements needed to support the strategy, government initiatives that can be engaged, marketing opportunities, and potential for collaboration and co-operation.

RDA Committees are required to prepare and submit a Regional Plan at the end of each financial year.  As it is a living document, it will be reviewed and updated annually before being submitted to both the commonwealth and ACT government funding partners.  In the first two years, the Regional Plan should include a Strategy for Economic Development and Job Creation.