Strong Local Government involvement is already a key feature of the $100.5 million Sustainable Regions Programme. The Sustainable Regions Programme is the centrepiece of the Government’s Stronger Regions, A Stronger Australia package released last year. Sustainable Regions is about building on a community’s existing efforts to create strong and sustainable futures, with the Government partnering their development by supporting local ideas and actions and helping to provide the tools to make it happen.
A key feature of the design of Sustainable Regions is the whole of government approach, including strong consultation with other key Commonwealth, State and Local Government agencies. Through the Local Advisory Committee, Local Government is invited to be represented along with a range of other key stakeholders.
Funding will be provided to regions for a range of activities including minor local infrastructure, promoting skills building, encouraging small businesses, as well as addressing social development, environmental and cultural issues. These priorities will be determined locally, with communities taking the lead in their own development, guided by a locally-based advisory group. In addition, funds are available to formulate plans and test future development options.
Regions will also have a ‘pathway into Cabinet’ to ensure a broader more integrated consideration of the issues affecting regions. Regions can raise large scale issues with the Employment and Infrastructure Committee of Federal Cabinet. A snap shot of the Sustainable Regions Programme to date follows.
Atherton Tablelands, QLD Funding – up to $18 million
Local Government Areas – Atherton, Eacham, Herberton and Mareeba. Advisory Committee Chair – Mr Peter McDade. Members – Cr Mick Borzi, Cr Jim Chapman, Cr Anne Portess, Cr Mary Lyle, Professor Robert Beeton and Mr Tom Vieira (observer).
Wide Bay Burnett, QLD Funding – up to $8 million
Local Government Areas – Biggenden, Bundaberg, Burnett, Cooloola, Eidsvold, Gayndah, Hervey Bay, Isis, Kilkivan, Kingaroy, Kolan, Maryborough, Miriam Vale, Monto, Mundubbera, Murgon, Nanango, Perry, Tiaro, Wondai and Woocoo. Advisory Committee – not yet announced.
Far North East NSW Funding – up to $12 million
Local Government Areas –Tweed, Ballina, Byron, Lismore and Kyogle. Advisory Committee Chair – Mr Geoff Provest Members – Mr Greg Redman, Ms Robin Amos, Mr Chris Condon, Ms Lexie Hurford and Cr Ernie Bennett.
Campbelltown/Camden, NSW Funding – up to $12 million
Local Government Areas – Campbelltown and Camden. Advisory Committee Chair – Mr Bruce Hanrahan. Members – Mr Ken Tagg and Cr Geoff Corrigan.
Gippsland, VIC Funding – up to $12 million
Local Government Areas – Latrobe, Bass Coast Shire, South Gippsland, Wellington and East Gippsland. Advisory Committee Chair – Mr John Hutchinson. Members – Dr Robert Haldane, Ms Robyn Cooney.
North West & West Coast Tasmania Funding – not yet announced
Local Government Areas – King Island, Circular Head, Waratah/Wynyard, Burnie, Central Coast, Devonport, Latrobe, Kentish and West Coast. Advisory Committee – not yet announced.
Playford and Salisbury, SA Funding – up to $12 million
Local Government Areas – Playford and Salisbury. Advisory Committee – not yet announced.
Kimberley, WA Funding – up to $12 million
Local Government Areas – Broome, Halls Creek, Derby West Kimberley and Wyndham East Kimberley. Advisory Committee Chair – Ms Cori Fong. Members – Cr Josie Farrer, Cr Elsia Archer, Cr Barbara Johnson, Cr Kevin Fong, Mr Ron Johnston, Cr Chris Kloss and Mr Jeff Gooding.
For further details about Sustainable Regions in Queensland, Western Australia or South Australia, please email des.harris@dotars.gov.au.
For further details about Sustainable Regions in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, please email bill.dejong@dotars.gov.au.
