What is an Area Consultative Committee?

Area Consultative Committees (ACCs) are non-profit, community-based organisations funded by the Australian Government's Department of Infrastructure Transport Regional Services and Local Government (formerly DOTARS).

There are 56 ACCs across Australia serving rural, regional, remote and metropolitan communities. The national network effectively covers the whole of Australia.

What is the purpose Behind ACCs?

ACCS position themselves as key regional stakeholders to build community capacity to find local solutions to local problems. In addition, ACCS are a social coalition between Government, business, and the community. ACCs are an example of how the Australian Government is working in partnership with business and the community to achieve regional economic growth by harnessing opportunities for new jobs, actively supporting small business and addressing training and skills development needs.

Regional Development Australia

After the 2008 Federal Budget annoucements were made regarding the future of ACCS.   The new Regional Development Australia network will replace the ACCS as the Australian Governments regional network.   This new body will take on a broader role to provide strategic input into national programs, imporove the coordination of the Government's regional development initiatives linking closely with local governments and other regional organisations. Operation of the new RDA offices will comence in 2009.