The national network of Area Consultative Committees (ACCs) provides an important link between the Federal Government and rural and metropolitan Australia. As volunteer community based organisations, ACCs are uniquely placed to respond to issues in their regions and provide a vital conduit to government on local, social and economic conditions. ACCs work in partnership with the Department of Transport and Regional Services to identify opportunities, priorities and development of strategies for their regions.

Role

The core functions of ACCs will include:

Regional Consultation and identification of appropriate project activity

ACCs will:

bring together key business, regional and community representatives to identify priorities and opportunities for regional development
develop, and implement a three year strategic regional plan in consultation with the community, to address regional priorities for growth
the ACC will promote this plan to ensure widespread acceptance and support of its aims, objectives and outcomes within the region;
identify and facilitate projects for funding under the Regional Partnerships Programme and other government programmes which will support and underpin the strategic regional plan.
this includes identifying proponents to develop, cost and manage RPP projects

Promotion of Whole-of-Government initiatives

ACCs will:

promote and facilitate whole-of-government initiatives including:
- small business initiatives;
- linkages between young people and their communities;
- Indigenous employment, education and training;
- and the suite of regional programs within the Department of Transport and Regional Services' portfolio.
develop effective linkages with relevant Commonwealth, State and local agencies to assist promotion and implementation of these initiatives throughout the region.

Provision of advice and feedback to Government

ACCs will:

provide advice and feedback to Ministers and Departments on
- the impact of Commonwealth policies and programmes in regions
provide advice and feedback on regional development, strategic regional issues and the delivery of relevant government programs

The priority given by an ACC to its activities in each of these areas will reflect Ministerial direction on priorities. Activities will be reviewed in consultation with Department of Transport and Regional Services. Ministerial direction on priorities will be developed through consultation with all relevant Ministers and communicated to ACCs at the annual National Forum of ACC Chairs.