The Great Southern Area Consultative Committee (GSACC) started its official dissolution process last week.

It will be replaced by Regional Development Australia (RDA) which will take over on July 1.

“The GSACC has been one of the most effective bi-partisan community committees I have had the pleasure of working with in my 40-plus years of community work,” committee chairman Len Smith said.

“The GSACC has benefitted from a very dedicated group of committee members representing wide-ranging aspects of community activities and development within the region.

“I’m proud to say we got things done despite many varied stakeholders.”

Formed in 1996, the GSACC aimed to provide an advisory link between all levels of business, government and community with the Australian Government.

The not-for-profit, community-based organisation had a volunteer committee with only the chair people and their deputies appointed by the government.

During its 13 years, the GSACC was successful in coordinating and supporting millions of dollars of government funding for many organisations and community groups throughout the region.

Mr Smith said the GSACC empowered regional organisations with the skills and business acumen to be more strategic and effective, while also working with other groups seeking funds through grants programs.

“This technical advice and general community advocacy will probably be the most lasting legacy of the ACC network, both in the Great Southern and throughout Australia,” he said.

One of the Rudd Government’s key regional election commitments was that ACCs throughout Australia would provide the basis for the creation of RDA.

This followed what it considered “pork barrelling” in some regions for political gain by the previous Liberal Government.

The government promises the ACCs will transform to become local RDA committees.