Riverina Economic Development Forum
Description
RDA Riverina Economic Development Forum
Date & Time
14th October 2026
Location
Wagga Wagga, NSW
Event Description
Join Economic Development Officers, regional leaders and industry representatives from across the Riverina for the October 2026 Riverina Economic Development Officer Forum.
This forum will focus on the opportunities, challenges and initiatives shaping the future of the Riverina economy, including trade, logistics, major projects, business growth, investment and regional development.
Attendees will hear from government agencies, industry leaders and organisations working across trade, exports, freight, transport, major projects and regional development.
Key themes of the forum include:
International trade and export opportunities
Defence, renewable energy and major project supply chains
Freight, logistics and regional infrastructure development
Business growth, investment and funding opportunities
Renewable Energy Zone logistics and transport planning
Emerging economic opportunities, challenges and trends
The forum will also include a roundtable discussion providing attendees with the opportunity to share current projects, challenges and opportunities from across their local government areas.
Speakers
Rachel Whiting, CEO, Regional Development Australia Riverina
Nicola James, Regional Manager South West NSW, AusIndustry
Robert Lansdown, Senior Export Adviser | TradeStart Adviser | Export, Investment NSW
Geoff Reardon, Regional Manager Murray Riverina, Industry Capability Network NSW
Anthony Hayes, Head of Regional Integration Planning, Integration and Passenger, Transport for NSW
David Bardos, Head of Regional Development, MEDLOG
Greg Ley, CEO and Managing Director, Lecroma
Colin Pinto, Associate Director, Small Business Lending, Export Finance Australia
Alec Brown, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Manager - Major Projects Transgrid
Wayne Murphy, Trade & Supply Chain Manager - NSW, Port of Melbourne
Who Should Attend?
Economic Development Officers
Local Government staff
Regional development practitioners
Industry and business representatives
Government agencies
Stakeholders involved in regional growth and investment
Program
Time | Summary | Speaker |
9:30 AM | Arrival Registration, Tea and Coffee | |
10:00 AM | Welcome and Acknowledgement | Cr Dallas Tout Mayor Wagga Wagga City Council |
10:05 AM | RDA Riverina Update | Rachel Whiting CEO RDA Riverina |
10:15 AM | Small Business Support | Nicola James Regional Manager – South West NSW AusIndustry |
10:25 AM | Balancing Risk and Opportunity in International Trade Overview of Austrade and Investment NSW Export services, programs and connections available to businesses looking to enter or expand in international markets, along with practical tips for managing payment and supply chain risks. | Robert Lansdown Senior Export Adviser | TradeStart Adviser |
10:45 AM | Defence Projects and Upcoming Renewable Energy Opportunities in South West NSW Defence project opportunities, upcoming renewable energy projects in South West NSW, and how local businesses can connect into major project supply chains. | Geoff Reardon Regional Manager – Murray Riverina Industry Capability Network |
11:05 AM | Morning tea |
|
11:25 AM | Emerging Opportunities, Challenges and Trends Reflections on current and emerging issues, opportunities and trends affecting the Riverina.
| Gregory Ley CEO and Managing Director Lecroma |
11:45 AM | Regional Freight Infrastructure and the Wumbulgal / WRConnect Precinct MEDLOG’s role in regional freight infrastructure, including the relocation of its Griffith logistics facility to the Wumbiulgal/WRConnect precinct and how improved rail and intermodal connections can support Riverina exporters, producers and supply chains. | David Bardos Head of Regional Development MEDLOG |
12:05 PM | The Riverina's Connection to Global Markets | Wayne Murphy |
12:25 PM | Funding Solutions for Regional Business Growth and Expansion How EFA can help regional businesses pursue growth opportunities, participate in domestic and international supply chains, and access funding solutions that enable expansion. | Colin Pinto Associate Director, Small Business Lending Export Finance Australia |
12:45 PM | Lunch | |
1:15 PM | South West Renewable Energy Zone-Logistics and Supply Chain Challenges Transport’s approach to infrastructure and logistics challenges, including working with EnergyCo, other government agencies and councils, and supporting local communities. | Anthony Hayes Head of Regional Integration Planning, Integration and Passenger Transport for NSW |
1:35 PM | HumeLink Project Update | Alec Brown |
1:50 PM | Round Table Opportunity for attendees to share updates, key opportunities, challenges and support needs. | Round Table- All Opportunity for attendees to share updates, key opportunities, challenges and support needs. |
2:30 | Finish |
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