The submission highlights that the relocation of government administration bodies to regional areas over time can rovide substantial cost savings for government and improve labour force participation and unemployment in regional areas.

RDA Illawarra notes in the submission that it is important for the Committee to appreciate the transformation taking place in the Illawarra as it transitions from a predominately manufacturing economy to a diverse economy built on knowledge services, advanced manufacturing, trade and logistics and an increasing defence sector capability.

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Illawarra is pleased to provide this submission on the Draft Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy.

RDA Illawarra supports the implementation of the proposed Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy, as it:

• Enables Mountain Biking, which is one of the fastest growing adventurebased tourism activities, and is generating world-wide tourism benefits
• Is time to build a world-class Mountain Biking destination in the Illawarra that is well-planned and managed
• Is aligned with NSW, regional and local tourism strategies
• Is mindful of the unique biodiversity and important Aboriginal and nonindigenous culture heritage values, which have a low tolerance for disturbance
• Supports economic development of a significant Illawarra economic catalytic site, the Illawarra escarpment, including Mount Keira

RDA Illawarra provided a submission which responded to the questions identified in the Inquiry into National Freight and Supply Chain Priorities Discussion Paper, May 2017 in relation to Urban Growth Pressures and Port Corridor Pressures.

In summary, the submission outlines that the Illawarra’s economy is increasingly linked with Sydney’s. The Illawarra can support the freight challenge of NSW, if it is considered as a key part of an integrated freight transport system. The construction of the Maldon-Dombarton rail line is required to optimise the port of Port Kembla’s growth.

The Maldon-Dombarton rail line construction would also reduce pressure on Sydney’s road and rail networks, as well as the Illawarra’s passenger rail line and road networks. If freight could be removed from the South Coast rail line, this line could benefit from a more reliable and faster passenger service.