Regional Development Australia (RDA) Grampians brings together influential regional leaders who are committed to driving economic growth, supporting thriving local industries, and fostering vibrant, connected communities across the Grampians. With a deep understanding of the region’s strengths, challenges and opportunities, the Committee provides strategic advice to the Australian Government, facilitates cross-sector collaboration, and champions initiatives that contribute to a strong, future-focused regional economy.
Committee members
RDA Grampians Committee Members are selected for their business expertise in the region’s key economic areas. The high calibre team has global, national and local experience in manufacturing, housing, energy, public administration, agriculture, education and tourism.
Underpinning this expertise is the Committee Chair, Michael Tudball, who has worked across local government, regional development, economic strategy, and infrastructure planning, bringing decades of leadership experience and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing regional communities.
What we do
At RDA Grampians, we work to drive sustainable economic growth and strengthen the prosperity of our region by connecting people, projects and policy. Our work is guided by key strategic priorities that reflect the opportunities and challenges facing the Grampians region.
We focus on:
- Industry Growth and Innovation by supporting the development of key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining and renewable energy by fostering innovation, investment, and capability building.
- Infrastructure and Connectivity by advocating for essential infrastructure, digital connectivity and freight solutions that unlock regional potential and improve liveability.
- Workforce, Housing and Services by addressing critical workforce shortages, housing access, and service delivery to support a thriving population and strong local economies.
- Collaborative Leadership by building strong relationships with government, industry, and community to ensure regional voices are heard and local priorities shape national decision making.
Through strategic advice, stakeholder engagement, and practical initiatives, RDA Grampians plays a vital role in shaping a resilient and future-focused region.
The value of being embedded in Regional Development Victoria
Being embedded within Regional Development Victoria (RDV) strengthens RDA Grampians’ ability to align local priorities with state and federal policy, enabling more coordinated and impactful outcomes for our region. This close connection provides direct access to government insights, enhances inter-agency collaboration, and ensures that regional voices are heard at the highest levels of decision making.
Our embedded role also supports a strong working relationship with the Central Highlands Regional Partnership and the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnership. By collaborating we help drive a unified regional agenda, coordinate advocacy efforts, and align strategic initiatives across government, industry, and community.
This integrated approach allows RDA Grampians to leverage the expertise, networks, and resources of RDV and the Regional Partnerships to deliver more effective, place-based solutions that build economic resilience and strengthen the future of our region.
Who we work with
The RDA Grampians committee collaborates with businesses, not-for-profits, industry bodies and agencies to build sector strengths, promote regional capabilities and leverage regional advantages. It works with:
- Local government areas of West Wimmera, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack, Horsham, Northern Grampians, Ararat, Pyrenees, Ballarat, Golden Plains, Hepburn and Moorabool.
- Like-minded organisations including the Central Highlands and Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnerships and the Victorian Cross Border Commissioner.
- RDA Committees across Victoria and South Australian border RDA committees to identify synergistic opportunities and boost economic activity.
- Other industry bodies, including Grampians Tourism Board, National Farmers Federation and Grampians based Chambers of Commerce.
Our region
Stretching from the western edge of Melbourne to the South Australian border, the Grampians region includes the major townships of Edenhope, Nhill, Warracknabeal, Horsham, Stawell, Ararat, Beaufort, Ballarat, Bannockburn, Daylesford and Bacchus Marsh.
Steeped in gold rush history the Grampians is home to Sovereign Hill, the Silo Arts Trail and natural attractions including the Grampians National Park, Mt Arapiles and the Little Desert National Park.
Agriculture and food production are major industries across the Grampians, with extensive dryland farming in the Wimmera Southern Mallee sub-region. Opportunities across the region include artisanal food and beverage production, broad acre intensive cropping and diversified agriculture.
In the Central Highlands and Wimmera South Mallee region, particularly Ballarat and Horsham, the services sector is experiencing significant steady growth across health, education, professional services, ICT and hospitality.