RDA ILLAWARRA TO PLAY KEY ROLE IN NEW RDAF ROUNDS
Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees have a key role to play in shaping infrastructure investment to meet regional needs during Rounds Three and Four of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF).
The Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Simon Crean MP, announced the funding rounds last week, inviting applicants to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for projects that will support local economies, build dynamic communities and enhance liveability across the country.
Round Three is worth $50 million and will provide grants of between $50,000 and $500,000 for projects located in towns with a population of 30,000 or less. Round Three projects must align with local government priorities, as expressed in a strategic or community plan or other published document.
Round Four will allocate $175 million through grants of between $500,000 and $15 million for priority regional infrastructure projects that also leverage funding from state and local governments and the private sector. Round Four projects must align with RDA Illawarra's Regional Plan.
RDA committees will review EOIs from all potential applicants and select five priority projects for Round Three and three priority projects for Round Four to progress to full application. Criteria for the selection process will include:
- Regional priorities
- Level of community support for the project
- Impact of the project on the region and neighbouring regions
- Readiness to proceed
RDA Illawarra will be conducting two RDAF information sessions:
1. Tuesday, 6 November, 10.00-11.00am at the RDAI office, Ground Floor, cnr Market and Young Streets, Wollongong;
2. Thursday, 8 November, 12.45-1.30pm, during the lunch break on day 1 of the 4th annual Regional Leaders Summit, Ocean Room, Innovation Campus (only available to Summit delegates).
To register your attendance at either event contact Lee on 4227 4500 or email at enquiries@rdaillawarra.com.au.
More information, including the Rounds Three and Four Guidelines, can be found at http://www.regional.gov.au/regional/programs/rdaf.aspx
Applicants can direct questions relating to the application and assessment process to rdaf@regional.gov.au.
EOIs close 6 December 2012 for both rounds 3 & 4.
