Regional Development Australia Central Coast (RDACC) has appointed Lawrie McKinna as its Chair.
As a Coast resident, McKinna’s connections to the region are strong, as he was a former mayor of Gosford City Council and previously held positions of founding manager and then Director of Football for Central Coast Mariners.
“I am extremely honoured to serve the Central Coast as the incoming Chair of RDACC and I’m passionate about growing the opportunities for economic development here in our region,” he said.
“We all know how lucky we are to live in this truly unique part of the world and I am looking forward to working with the RDACC Board and staff to continue to grow a thriving and prosperous region for the benefit of future generations.”
McKinna’s appointment was formally announced by Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, Nola Marino.
“Mr McKinna will lead RDA Central Coast under a refreshed national RDA Charter that focuses on driving investment and local procurement opportunities, and through this, creating jobs and economic growth for our region,” Minister Marino said.
“I look forward to working with Mr McKinna and the RDA Central Coast members and staff over the coming years and encourage the community to reach out to their RDA to discuss how it can help business succeed.”
McKinna said RDA Central Coast was a highly valued and respected organisation that had successfully partnered with all regional stakeholders to drive economic development in our region and provide critical intelligence back to all levels of government about the key issues impacting the local community.
“Regional partnerships such as the recent Memorandum of Understanding developed between RDACC, the University of Newcastle and Central Coast Industry Connect, have been a huge boost in achieving our region’s goal of growing our local industries, creating new jobs and building sustainable regional business competitiveness,” he said.
“Unprecedented collaboration between RDACC and our Central Coast Federal and State Members has resulted in more then $750M in infrastructure funding for essential enabling infrastructure works, and in excess of $30M of National Stronger Regions Funding being secured by the region.
“RDACC will continue to be an important conduit between all levels of government, business and our community to drive further collaboration, innovation and enhanced economic outcomes,” McKinna said.
In addition to his position as RDACC Chair, McKinna is also General Manager of Newcastle Jets.
Source:
Media release, Jan 11
Regional Development Australia Central Coast