Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees have a key role to play in shaping regional infrastructure investment to meet regional needs during Round Two of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF).
Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government Simon Crean has today opened Round Two of the RDAF, announcing a further $200 million in funding for regional Australia.
Minister Crean said the RDA Fund was helping regions to identify new opportunities to diversify and strengthen their economic base.
“”That’s why we have already allocated $150 million to 35 projects in Round One of the RDAF program and why we are now opening applications for Round Two and increasing the amount of available funding to $200 million,” he said.
Key aspects of Round Two are: a two stage application process that will reduce costs for applicants, embed local decision making, and provide early certainty for project proponents about funding for their project.
As part of their enhanced role, RDA committees will review Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from potential applicants to the fund and select three viable priority projects from their region to progress to full application.
RDA ACT Chair Craig Sloan said that RDA committees comprise community leaders uniquely placed to determine viable projects that align with their regional priorities and plans.
“RDA committees are jointly appointed by the Commonwealth and relevant State/Territory Governments and we are also closely in touch with our local communities. This enables us to match what is happening on the ground to available funding opportunities as they arise” Mr Sloan said.
“We welcome the opportunity to have a stronger role and contribute directly to the Government’s localism approach. The regions and local communities are going to be the real winners.”
The new process for RDAF Round Two is as follows:
- Eligible applicants are required to submit one EOI form for a single project, to their RDA committee by Thursday, 1 December 2011. The form is available from the Department’s website.
- RDA committees will review each EOI and select three viable priority projects to proceed to full application.
- Full applications will be assessed by the Department of Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government against the eligibility and selection criteria, risk, and value for money.
- Applications will be considered by the RDAF Advisory Panel which will provide advice to the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Simon Crean MP. The Minister will make decisions on projects to be funded.
In prioritising their three viable priority projects, the Minister has asked RDA committees to take into account the priorities of their Regional Plan, the capacity of the project to address needs in the region, the level of community support for the project, impact of the project on the region and neighbouring regions, and readiness to proceed.
“This is an exciting time for ACT infrastructure projects which can demonstrate widespread regional benefit. We encourage ACT applicants to start working on their proposals for RDAF Round Two,” Mr Sloan added.
The RDAF is worth almost $1 billion over five years (some of which is subject to the passage of the Minerals Resource Rent Tax) and is designed to boost economic and community development as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to regional Australia.
More information including the Round Two Guidelines, key dates and full details on the EOI process can be found at www.regional.gov.au Applicants can ask questions relating to the application and assessment process by emailing rdaf@regional.gov.au or contact the RDA ACT Secretariat on (02) 6173 7000.
Further information can also be found on our RDAF Page.
