Regional Development Australia Fund

The Minister for Regional Development, The Hon Simon Crean MP, today announced a $1.4 billion Regional Development Australia Fund designed to boost economic development in Australia’s regions.

Applications are open and the first round of funding will commence on 1 July 2011. Interested parties can register to receive the guidelines when they are released by sending an email to [email protected] with ‘RDAF Interest’ in the subject line.

Minister Crean said that “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.”

Key criteria for the application funding guidelines are:

  • Delivery of concrete economic and social benefits;
  • Commitment to innovation and building capacity in local communities;
  • Linking regional communities across traditional boundaries; and
  • Ability to leverage additional funding across government and the private sector.
The $1.4 billion allocated to the Fund includes $350 million that the Government set aside for disaster relief in regional areas. This disaster funding allocation will be assessed on the same criteria as the rest of the Fund.
The Minister’s press release can be found below.
The Hon Simon Crean MP
Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government
Minister for the Arts
 
Boosting regional development with $1.4 billion development fund
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