Twelve councils have successfully secured funding in round one of the Federal Government’s Rural Transaction Centres (RTC) Programme.
Senator Ian Macdonald, Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government, was impressed by the councils’ involvement. “The example set by these twelve councils is very encouraging for the future” said Senator Macdonald.
“Following approval for the sale of the next 16% of Telstra, the Government will allocate $70million for RTCs. I hope many more councils will support the programme over the next few years” said Senator Macdonald.
The successful applicants, 22 in total, were announced by Senator Macdonald and John Anderson, the Minister for Transport and Regional Services, on 20 July.
Seven communities were funded to open the first RTCs, and an additional 15 communities were funded to undertake a needs assessment and business planning to establish RTCs in the near future.
The announcement fulfils a Government election commitment to improve access by rural communities to basic services such as banking, communications and Medicare EasyClaim.
In New South Wales, Cabonne Council intends to open an RTC in the town of Eugowra. The Cabonne Council’s RTC will be a one-stop-business and information centre offering financial services, Medicare Easyclaim, community internet access and business support services. Having lost its last bank three years ago, the new RTC in Eugowra is a welcome addition for the 750 people in the community.
The Aramac Shire Council in Queensland is working together with the local Australia Post Licensee to provide financial services, Medicare EasyClaim, Queensland State Government Services (QGAP) and Centrelink services to the community.
On the East Coast of Tasmania, the St Mary’s Association for Community Development will be ready to open the doors to its RTC within the next couple of months. The Trust Bank will co-locate with the local Post Office, preventing the closure of the last remaining financial institution in the town.
Another 15 council and community groups gained funding to undertake needs assessments and business planning to establish RTCs in rural and regional areas of Victoria, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania.
Applications for funding in round two are expected to be considered in September this year.
Further details of the Programme can be obtained from www. dotrs.gov.au/rtc/ or Freecall 1800 038 160.
