Area Consultative Committees

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

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

What was the purpose Behind ACCs?

ACCS positioned themselves as key regional stakeholders to build community capacity to find local solutions to local problems. In addition, ACCS were a social coalition between Government, business, and the community. ACCs are an example of how the Australian Government was looking to work 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.

MOVE TO REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA

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.

Local Arrangements

NSW has proposed boundary arrangements for the integration of 13 existing Regional Development Boards and 14 AACs.  In Newcastle and the Hunter Region the Hunter ACC will merge with the Hunter Economic Development Corp under arrangements with the Federal Government and the State Governments Department of State and Regional Development.  Operating procedures and definitions will be completed by June 2009.