RDA South West

19/10/2026

Announcement - Director of Regional Development Charles Jenkinson

After more than 20 years in the Regional Development Australia network, Charles Jenkinson, Director of Regional Development at RDA South West, will be stepping back from his role on 18 December.

Charles began his regional development career in the Mid West before moving south to lead RDASW, where he has made an outstanding contribution to our organisation and the region. He has been directly involved in securing more than $100 million in projects for the South West, and has built strong relationships across government, industry and community along the way.

On behalf of the RDASW Board and Staff, thank you, Charles, for your leadership, dedication and genuine commitment to the South West.

Recruitment for our new Director of Regional Development is under way, and we look forward to sharing more in the new year.

29/09/2026

Congratulations Shire of Manjimup on the Trail Bike Hub launch.

With Stages 1 and 2 now operating, the Hub is already providing riders with a curated network of adventure and trail bike touring routes using existing roads and forest trails, supported by mapping, rider information and the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub Centre.

🏍️ A new chapter for the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub!

The Shire of Manjimup, in collaboration with Manjimup Trail Bike Hub Inc., is pleased to officially open Stages 1 and 2 of the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub next week.

This milestone marks an exciting step forward for the Hub and the local trail bike community.

Read the full media release 👉 https://www.manjimup.wa.gov.au/our-shire/news?item=id:2zke5dn4n17q9s63iyyo

24/09/2026

A big day for RDASW yesterday, celebrating three fantastic initiatives across the South West!

We were thrilled to visit Nannup for the official launch of the Nannup Trail Town project – an exciting milestone that cements the town’s reputation as a trails destination.

Then it was on to the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub launch, another significant investment in the region’s trail network and visitor economy.

We finished the day at the The Innovation Academy Presentation Evening, where students showcased their ideas, creativity and hard work. RDASW is proud to be a major sponsor of the Innovation Academy for 2026 and the opportunities it creates for young people across our region.

From trails and tourism to innovation and our next generation – we’re incredibly proud to support projects like these and see the South West achieving such great things.

24/09/2026

What an incredible achievement for Shire of Nannup, congratulations to all involved.

RDASW is proud to have supported this project from it's inception and are so thrilled to see the culmination of years of hard work.

See you all out on the trails soon!

Celebrate the journey and enjoy the third Trail Town in Western Austalian .

15/09/2026

We are so pleased to see this event nearly here!

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡 𝗜𝗦 𝗢𝗡 ⏳

1️⃣ MONTH until history is made! The UCI Gravel World Championships are leaving Europe for the first time. EVER.

Nannup, the world is coming for you 🇦🇺

|

03/09/2026

Apply now for the latest round of funding under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP).

State, territory and local governments can apply for up to $5 million per project to create safer roads for their communities. SLRIP provides $200 million each year for road safety projects across Australia.

Applications close on 31 January 2027. Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/2pur4xfy

14/08/2026

New South West economy data is now available

REMPLAN's latest update brings refreshed insights into employment estimates, local industries, supply chains, regional imports, exports and more. It includes benchmarking across local governments areas, South West, WA and Australia.

Visit our RDA South West Economy Profile to explore it all:

https://app.remplan.com.au/rda-south-west/economy/summary

Need custom data for a project or grant? Contact our team on [email protected]

View economic, demographic, investment, forecast, and housing data for your region

13/08/2026

Applications are now open for Revive Live!

The Revive Live program supports established live music venues and music festivals.
Up to $12.5 million in funding is available through the 2026-27 round of the program.

Applications close 28 August 2026.

📷 Bobby Alu at Woodford Folk Festival, Lachlan Douglas

Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/we37w24

13/08/2026

Applications are now open for Tranche 2 of the Active Transport Fund. State, territory and local governments can apply for a share in $50 million for new and upgraded cycleways and walking paths in their communities.

The Active Transport Fund aims to support Australians in accessing safer active transport options in their area.

Find out more and apply: https://tinyurl.com/2s4z6x2n
Applications close 30 September.


Transport and Main Roads Queensland
Transport for NSW
Transport WA
NT Logistics and Infrastructure
Transport Victoria
Tasmanian Government
SA Infrastructure and Transport
Transport Canberra
Australian Local Government Association

12/08/2026

26-27 SW Futures - new version now live

SW Futures is the South West’s strategic planning framework. Each year, the team at Regional Development Australia South West reviews data, consults with key stakeholders, and undertakes in-depth research to ensure the plan reflects a real-time view of the region’s economic landscape.

If you're seeking funding for regional infrastructure or projects, this document is essential reading.

The 2026-27 edition is now available online via our purpose-built web platform, with options to download, or a limited number of printed copies will be distributed to key regional stakeholders.

www.swfutures.com.au