Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a new partnership between Australian, State, Territory and local governments to strengthen regional communities. There are 55 committees nationally, including 12 in Queensland. RDA committees are non profit community based organisations. The RDA Tropical North (RDA TN) has 9 members, each appointed to represent the community, business and local government. These committee members are from private enterprise, education, local government, natural resources, management and regional development. RDA Tropical North compliment existing regional development structures, creating synergies between the high level strategic, macro and micro social, environmental and economic development perspectives of the region through an inclusive, collaborative model. The principal role of RDA Tropical North is to provide a conduit between all three levels of government and the community to promote a better understanding of regional requirements. Focus areas include: • Regional business growth plans and strategies, which help support economic development, the creation of new jobs, skills development and business investment; • Environmental solutions which support ongoing sustainability and the management of climate change including the impact of natural disasters; and •Social inclusion strategies which will bring together and support all members of the community.