The Australian Government’s approach to regional development is to work in partnership with communities, government and the private sector to foster the development of self reliant communities and regions. This approach is consistent with the Government’s framework for developing Australia’s regions: Stronger Regions, A Stronger Australia. Regional Partnerships is a programme that delivers on the Australian Government’s approach to regional development. A total of $308m is available through Regional Partnerships over the four years from 2004/05 to 2007/08. Regional Partnerships focuses on four areas.
- Strengthening growth and opportunities by investing in projects that strengthen and provide greater opportunities for economic and social participation in the community.
- Improving access to services by investing in projects that, in a cost effective and sustainable way, support communities to access services. It will give priority to communities in regional Australia with a population of less than 5,000 people.
- Supporting planning by investing in projects that assist communities to identify and explore opportunities and to develop strategies for action.
- Assisting structural adjustment by investing in projects that assist specifically identified communities and regions adjust to major economic, social or environmental change.
Organisations that are eligible for funding under the Regional Partnerships include non profit organisations such as charities, community and indigenous councils, cooperatives, Local Government and private companies. There are no funding rounds so organisations can apply at any time. On the ground support for potential applicants is provided by Area Consultative Committees (ACCs). These are groups of volunteers drawn from the community, local business and Local Government to foster a coordinated approach to regional development.
They provide a strong link between local communities and the Government. There are 56 ACCs across Australia. Your local ACC is the best place to start if you wish to access funding through the Regional Partnerships programme.
Further information on Regional Partnerships is available at www.regionalpartnerships.gov.au Further information on Area Consultative Committees is available at www.acc.gov.au
Examples of Regional Partnerships Projects
Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute (NSW)
This project will establish the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute at Katoomba. Regional Partnerships funding $82,500.
Surat Riverscape Project (QLD)
Funding will be used to build a pathway, with seating and shelters, linking the town of Surat and the local river. Regional Partnerships funding $10,709.
Gateway Plan for the Wetlands Centre (NSW)
Funding will be used to develop a plan to assist the Shortlands Wetland Centre expand their capacity in the management and marketing of the Lower Hunter wetlands. Regional Partnerships funding $188,245.
Growth and Diversification of Port Fairy (VIC)
Regional Partnerships funds will be used for refurbishment of the historic former bait shed, installing three new fish tanks and commissioning and training staff. Regional Partnerships funded $54,450.
Redfern Micro Enterprise Hub Fit-Out (NSW)
The project will fit out a centre from which Hillsong can deliver its employment and mentoring programmes to the Redfern community. Regional Partnerships funded $82,500.
Whale World Jetty (WA)
The project will increase total visitor trips to Albany of between three per cent and six per cent between 2005 and 2015, or an extra 130,000 trips by 2015. This increase in visits potentially equates to $30 million additional visitor expenditure per annum to the region, and an additional 400 direct tourism related jobs and 250 indirect flow on jobs by 2015. Regional Partnerships funded $82,500.
Whyalla Aquaculture Infrastructure Project (SA)
The project will deliver purpose built infrastructure to permit the expansion of the aquaculture industry at Fitzgerald Bay. The longer term outcomes of this project include the long term viability of current licence holders, an increase in the tonnages harvested from 1,150 to 2,250 by 2005 and 2,600 by 2006, with an increase in full time equivalent employment of 67. Also, new markets for the yellowtail kingfish are now being explored in China, Taipei, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and other Asian cities. Regional Partnerships funded $330,000.
