Regional Development Australia
New Direction for Regional Australia
On 13 May 2008 the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government announced that the Australian Government's 2008-09 Budget would deliver a new direction for regional Australia, with a $176 million Better Regions program and up to $74 million for the Regional Development Australia network.
A new Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program will supplement those programs from next year's Budget and fund major investments in regional communities.
According to the Minister, the Government's regional development initiatives in this Budget will help drive economic prosperity and growth in regional Australia, and engage with communities to meet their needs.
The Minister also said that the Government understands that good community infrastructure supports towns and communities and attracts greater investment and job opportunities.
The new Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, and Better Regions election commitments will replace Sustainable Regions and the Regional Partnerships Program.
Better Regions
The $176 million Better Regions program will deliver on the Australian Government's election commitments and provide regional Australia with much needed community facilities and services.
Critical community projects will be funded across Australia under the program including investments in the Hunter Region, Kempsey, Geelong, Townsville, Bendigo, Alice Springs, Mandurah, Sunshine Coast and northern Tasmania.
The projects encourage economic and community development and invest in local infrastructure such as:
• the revitalisation of towns' main streets
• multi-purpose community and resource centres
• major sport and recreational venues, and
• community transport infrastructure.
Regional Development Australia
The Australian Government is committed to genuine engagement with regional communities. It is establishing Regional Development Australia (RDA) with an allocation of more than $17 million this year to ensure effective engagement with communities.
The new RDA network across Australia will build on and replace Area Consultative Committees.
The Government's new body will take on a broader role to provide strategic input into national programs, improve the coordination of the Government's regional development initiatives, link closely to local governments and other regional organisations.
The RDA's final structure will be developed over this year in consultation with regional communities and stakeholders.
Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program
From next year's Budget, the new Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program will be funded to deliver major investments in regional and local community, recreational and environmental infrastructure initiatives.
In line with the Australian Government's national approach to infrastructure investment, the new program will be accountable, transparent and based on community needs.
To make sure the program is developed properly and reflects the needs of regional communities, the Government will consult widely with the community. The public consultations are expected to be conducted by the new RDA network and the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.
Through these major investments, the Government will deliver infrastructure investments and promote sustainable economic growth in regional communities.