On 1 July 2003 regional communities saw the introduction of the new Regional Partnerships Programme administered through the Australian Government Department of Transport and Regional Services. Regional Partnerships integrates the Australian Government’s key regional programmes, except Sustainable Regions, into the one programme.
This has resulted in one set of guidelines and one simpler application process making it easier for communities to gain access to funding for local projects.
Through Regional Partnerships, communities can apply for project funding at any time, and have access to on the ground support to develop projects and funding applications, through the Australian Government’s national network of Area Consultative Committees (ACCs). ACCs will help ensure that proposed projects are consistent with key regional priorities.
They can also help ensure that an application is sufficiently detailed and meets Regional Partnerships’ criteria; identify possible project partners; and advise on how to provide evidence of community of business support for specific projects. ACCs are the first point of contact for communities wishing to access Regional Partnerships funding assistance.
For more information on Regional Partnerships visit the web at www.regionalpartnerships.gov.au or www.acc.gov.au.
Alternatively, contact the Commonwealth Regional Information Service on Freecall 1800 026 222.
