The Hon Simon Crean
MP
Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local
Government
Minister for the
Arts
3 March,
2011
The Minister for Regional
Australia, Simon Crean, today announced details of a $1.4 billion
Regional Development Australia Fund that will boost economic
development in the regions.
Mr Crean released the application
guidelines for the Fund and announced applications would be
accepted from today - with the first funding allocation to commence
on July 1.
"The $1.4 billion Regional
Development Australia Fund is a concrete demonstration of the
Federal Government's commitment to furthering economic development
in the regions," Mr Crean said.
"This is a new way of investing in
regional Australia with a focus on local solutions, complete
transparency and maximising long-term economic benefit and
potential.
"We want applications for projects
that stack up. Projects that will boost economic development,
create local jobs and lift the quality of life in local communities
and regions.
"The allocation of funding will be
competitive, merit-based and only applications that have the
backing of local Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees
will be considered.
"Resources from the Fund will be
allocated over five years and the Fund has been established as part
of the agreement struck with the Independents last September," Mr
Crean said.
Key criteria for the application
funding guidelines include:
- Delivery of concrete economic and social benefits
- Commitment to innovation and building capacity in local
communities
- Linking regional communities across traditional boundaries
- Ability to leverage additional funding across government and
the private sector
The $1.4 billion allocated to the
Fund includes $350 million that has been set aside for disaster
relief in regional communities. This disaster funding allocation
will be assessed on the same criteria as the rest of the
Fund.
"The Regional Development Australia
Fund is now open for business and I look forward to receiving
strong, well-researched, strategic applications," Mr Crean
said.
Mr Crean made the funding
announcement at opening address to the Regional Development
Australia (RDA) forum being held in Canberra today and tomorrow.
Representatives from all 55 RDA committees are represented at the
forum.
Mr Crean also announced that each
of the 55 RDA committees will receive grants of $25,000 to
strengthen their capability to represent their local
areas.
"The Federal Government is
committed to building the capacity of RDA committees and these
committees have a central role to play in the assessment of
applications for the Regional Development Australia Fund.
"This is a great day for regional
Australia and today's funding announcements are proof of the
Federal Government's commitment to empowering local communities and
regions," Mr Crean said.
Media contacts: Clinton Porteous
0403 369 588 or Colleen O'Sullivan 0409 282 143