Our Committee

The Committee’s Vision for the Region

A prosperous, sustainable, cohesive and liveable region.

The Committee’s Purpose

RDA facilitates and advocates for sustainable economic development by collaborating with regional stakeholders.

Our Committee

Our Committee is currently made up of seven members including a Chair who is appointed by the Australian Government’s Minister for Regional Development.

Our Committee

Ms Debra Burden

Chair

BBus FIML FAICD

Debra commenced as CEO of selectability in February 2017 and has previously held CEO and executive management positions with Queensland Country Credit Union and Health Fund, 1300Smiles and Canegrowers Burdekin.

Her business management expertise has been recognised with the Qld Business Review Women in Business Award and the Queensland Telstra Business Women’s Award.

Debra has held board positions in numerous companies and is currently a Director of Townsville Hospital and Health Service, and until recently was a Director of North Queensland Primary Health Network and Deputy Chair of North and West Remote Health.

Ms Maria James

Treasurer

Maria James is the CEO of MITEZ, a regional development organisation encompassing seven local government areas along the North West corridor, together with mining, transport, logistics and energy members. 

A born and bred North Queenslander, with 14 years prior experience at Port of Townsville, she is passionate about the Northern Australia region and being part of its development.

Mr Noel Gertz

Noel joined RDA in 2021. 

Noel co-established On Common Country Pty Ltd in 2017 to provide workforce planning and indigenous procurement services to major resource and infrastructure projects. 

Noel is the current Chairperson of On Common Country. 

Noel has extensive experience in community engagement

Cr Ashley Gallagher

Ashley joined RDA in 2021. Ashley has been a Councillor at Carpentaria Shire Council for 20 years, four of which were as Mayor.

Ashley has also held other committee and board roles including Southern Gulf Catchments, as well as being involved in many volunteer organisations.

Anthony Curro

Anthony Curro is Chief Executive Strategy and Engagement at the CRC for Developing Northern Australia. 

Based in Townsville, Anthony leads strategic initiatives and research that supports agricultural development and climate resilience across the North.

With a background in pharmacy and a family history in agriculture, he brings practical insight and deep regional knowledge. 

He also serves as a Director on the North Queensland Dry Tropics Board.

Cr Peta MacRae

Peta MacRae is Mayor of Mount Isa and a long-time advocate for the North West.

With a background in education, business, and community leadership, she is passionate about regional development, liveability, and local opportunity.

Peta has served eight years on Council and chairs the Country Universities Centre Mount Isa. She holds an MBA and is an AICD graduate, committed to building a stronger, more vibrant Mount Isa for future generations.

Cr Pierina Dalle Cort

Pierina Dalle Cort is Mayor of Burdekin Shire and a long-time business owner with deep ties to the local community.

A former Councillor for 12 years, Pierina is a strong advocate for economic development, housing, and youth engagement.

She is a Justice of the Peace, an AICD graduate, and has held leadership roles with the Burdekin Chamber of Commerce and Local Government Women’s Association.
Pierina is proudly committed to her region’s future

Interested in being a part of the RDA Committee?

Chair, Deputy Chair and member positions will open for applications as vacancies arise or new positions are created.

As positions arise, we will promote via our website, newsletter and social media. We also recommend learning more about joining an RDA committee here.

Our Region

Information and Statistics about Townsville and North West QLD

Grant Finder

View the Grant Finder!

Jobs Townsville North Queensland

Jobs Townsville North Queensland (JTNQ) is one of the Regional Jobs Committee (RJCs) established in Queensland.

Community Housing Project

RDA's Community Housing Project aims to address one of the biggest issues facing rural and regional towns – housing availability.

Regions Rising

RDA’s Regions Rising was a series of events aimed at connecting and strengthening regional businesses.

Our Region

Information and Statistics about Townsville and North West QLD

Grants and Funding

For the latest information on Grants and Funding

Regional Employment Trials Program

A Local Employment Initiative Fund for employment related projects

Inland Queensland Road Actions Program (IQ-RAP)

IQ-RAP improves regional sustainability, productivity and safety on QLD’s inland road network

Aviation Industry Development Project

A project to develop the aviation industry in North and North West QLD

STEMBooster Project

A major skills and economic development initiative for a pipeline of STEM talent.