Welcome to Economic Development Australia

Economic Development Australia is the national professional body for economic development practitioners employed in local government, regional development agencies, State Government economic development departments, and private sector consultants and companies involved in economic development. Membership of the new body is open to all with a professional interest or involvement in industry and economic development.

Membership has grown rapidly with the number of members now exceeding 510 Australia-wide. State Practitioner Networks have been established in all of states to service local members.

Under the direction of the Board, the EDA is acting as a vital information clearing house for significant information about economic development initiatives and events. Submissions are being made to governments, and EDA is committed to an active and positive role in influencing the economic direction of Australia.

Members benefit from the cross-fertilisation of ideas in the economic development field through our publications, peer-to-peer networking, and the annual national conference which attracts more than 250 delegates.  A post graduate professional development program has been developed with RMIT University to cater for the professional development needs of practitoners.
A Professional accreditation Scheme is being developed to provide members with a recognised professional qualification, and allow employers to recognise the competency of such accredited practitoners.

We encourage you to join and throw your support behind the EDA, and to actively participate in a unique professional body in the field of economic development

For information about joining the EDA  please view the Membership Fees page.

PM with Prof Janice Reid VC UWS meets EDA Director Julianne Christie (Fairfield City Council) [See SPN NSW for full story]

Julianne Christie, Director of EDA and Senior Policy Advisor for Economic Development at Fairfield City Council, introduced herself first as an economist, then as a Director of EDA and then as working for the City of Fairfield. In reply to being an economist, Mr Rudd teased “We all have our problems”. He noted EDA on his page of notes for future reference.
Julianne had the opportunity to speak with the Prime Minister about a number of issues facing the Fairfield community. First was the urgent need for English Language, Literacy and Numeracy acquisition for all ages of the Non-English speaking community so that training, skilling and employment activities could be undertaken.

SPONSORS