Regional Development Australia Fund Information for community stakeholders Autumn 2011

In this presentation... Commitment to Regional Australia Regional Development Australia Fund Overview Responsibilities of RDA committees Project Examples The Details Application process Responsibilities How to apply Eligibility checklist Key dates and contacts

Commitment to Regional Australia The Government has made new commitments to regional Australia, including: A new Minister for Regional Australia, supported by a new Department of Regional Australia; Cabinet level consideration of regional issues and impacts; Strengthened RDA committees; New and innovative funding programs: Regional Development Australia Fund; and Community Infrastructure Grants Program.

Regional Development Australia Fund Overview A $1 billion Commonwealth Government program to support Australia’s regions and enhance economic and community development and liveability. Key points: Up to $100 million in funding available during Round One for regional projects; $500,000 to $25 million available per project; Round One deadline for applications is 13 May 2011; Proposals not ready by 13 May can be submitted for Round Two (later this year); Proposals to be assessed by Independent Advisory Panel; Co-funding required:  no ratio for grants of less than $5 million; and  at least dollar for dollar for grants over $5 million.

Key Role for RDA Committees RDA committees play an essential role by: working with local, state and territory governments, as well as private and community stakeholders, within and across regions to promote the RDAF and identify potential projects for funding; bringing RDA committees together to discuss projects that cross regional boundaries; brokering support for an identified priority by bringing together stakeholders who may be able to identify a proponent to develop a proposal for a project; ensuring projects are aligned with priorities identified in the Regional Plan; and endorsing applications as appropriate. RDAs will not assess projects for eligibility.

Project Examples The Commonwealth Government will be looking to fund: strategic projects with a reach across LGA and RDA boundaries: large or small. regional infrastructure projects that will significantly improve: economic outcomes; social inclusion and liveability; and build on the unique capabilities and potential of each region.

Some tangible examples... A town wants to enhance social inclusion and establish itself as a regional sports centre, hosting state and national sports tournaments. Potential projects could include: developing a new sporting hub with a range of facilities; upgrading existing facilities to national or world class standards; or constructing new grandstands, new amenity blocks and canteens.

Some tangible examples... A community is seeking to diversify its industrial base. A potential project could be: developing a transport hub to create jobs and encourage new businesses A community’s infrastructure is acting as a bottleneck to economic development. Potential projects could include: upgrading a bridge, which is inadequate for large trucks to carry local produce to markets; or upgrading an unsealed road, which is acting as a deterrent to attracting tourists to an area expanding into tourism.

Some tangible examples... A community is seeking to attract new families to its area. Potential projects could include: constructing child care facilities to support working parents moving to the area; constructing a number of playgrounds and activity centres across the region to support child education, play activity and social inclusion; or constructing an aquatic centre or pool to support social inclusiveness and healthy lifestyles across the region.

The Details RDAF Aims support and invest in projects that support regions, enhance economic development and enhance community liveability address opportunities and challenges facing diverse regional communities achieve long-term benefits by leveraging funding from the Commonwealth, state, territory and local governments and private sector organisations RDAF Outcomes investment in regional priorities support for regional economic development sustained increases in economic output of local and regional economies increased social capital and quality of community life sustainable regional and economic growth

Eligibility – Who and What? Eligible Organisations Local councils Incorporated not-for-profit organisations Other organisations can participate where they are a member of a consortium led by an eligible applicant Eligible Projects Priority infrastructure projects identified by local communities Economic and community infrastructure projects (new and/or upgrades) Must be predominantly capital works Must be “investment ready” Large or small, with an emphasis on strategic projects

Eligibility Criteria All applications must meet the eligibility criteria: eligible applicant grant of between $500,000 and $25m include co-funding commence and complete construction between and written endorsement from local RDA committee, including demonstration of alignment with Regional Plan broader regional benefit for grants of more than $5m meet at least one national priority be support by business case and other documents applicant must be financially viable See Section 4.7 of the RDAF Guidelines for a full list of eligibility criteria

Selection Criteria Applications must make a case against the selection criteria Case should be strong, using data, evidence and studies Criteria: 1.extent to which the project will leverage funding from a variety of sources 2.the extent to which the project will contribute to and sustain regional economic growth and/or provide community benefit 3.sustainability and viability 4.capacity to implement and maintain the project 5.extent to which the project supports services to regional communities (not-for-profit only)

Advisory Panel provide independent advice and recommendations on priorities for RDAF grants Seek external advice if necessary rank all proposals as:  recommended for funding  suitable for funding  not recommended for funding Regional Development Australia Fund Advisory Panel appointed by Minister Panel will: Panel will meet regularly over the life of the program Membership and governance will be available on

Process 1. Proponent develops business case and submits application 2. Department reviews application to confirm eligibility against criteria 3. Advisory Panel reviews and ranks the application and advises Minister 4. Minister decides on funding 5. Department notifies applicants 6. Applicant negotiates a Funding Agreement with the Department 7. Applicant completes the project and acquits funds 8. Department evaluates project

Responsibilities: Department of Regional Australia The Department: administers the program provides advice to applicants on the application and assessment process vets funding applications  for compliance with eligibility criteria  to assess value for money and identify project risks reviews and updates Guidelines to ensure program objectives are met negotiates contracts with funding recipients monitors projects to ensure value for money and compliance with contract may seek advice on proposals from other tiers of government

Responsibilities: Applicants Applicants for funding must: complete the application form in full ensure that the project meets ALL eligibility and selection criteria obtain RDA Committee endorsement rank multiple applications in order of priority submit a fully completed application be 13 May 2011 Projects must be “investment ready” All planning, zoning, environmental, native title approvals must be in place or confirmed that they will be in place to allow construction to commence in 6 months A second funding round will be held later in 2011 Project proposals which are not fully developed could be submitted in this round

How to apply Applications may be lodged at any time before 13 May 2011 Applicants may propose more than one project Multiple proposals must be prioritised to be eligible Applicants may withdraw an application for revision Withdrawn, revised or updated applications can be resubmitted before the closing date or in the next funding round Applicants should seek independent advice on taxation treatment of the grant and should protect their own legal interests in any consortium arrangements Application is through the electronic SMART form at Hard copy applications will be accepted in certain, limited circumstances

Mandatory Eligibility Checklist Checklist for applications: applicant(s) are eligible and financially viable funding values vary from $500,000 to $25m  co-funding from other than Australian Government  leverage investment (at least dollar-for-dollar over $5m) commence and complete between and written RDA Committee endorsement and align with Regional Plan priority ranking for multiple project applications “investment ready” asset to be retained in original condition for five years demonstrate contribution to national priority areas include business case; project plan; risk management plan; project quality plan, and procurement plan include contact details

Key Dates Timeframe for applications: Deadline for Round 1 applications: 13 May 2011 Round 1 funding released: 1 July 2011 Round 2 expected to commence:Late 2011

Conclusion The new Regional Development Australia Fund offers a unique opportunity to improve the quality of life and community Now is the time to think about how you could use its resources to support your community objectives Guidelines, Frequently Asked Questions, Application Form on the Department’s website – Questions