REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM NOW CLOSED

The Regional Partnerships program has now closed for new and uncontracted projects.  No new Regional Partnerships applications will be accepted by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and applications currently under assessment will not be considered for funding.

Applicants who were notified by the previous government that their project had been approved for funding under Regional Partnerships but do not have a funding agreement executed by the Australian Government are advised that any offer or expectation of funding (express or implied) in relation to the project on the basis of a draft agreement, or on the basis of any other approval or representation that funding will be made available for the projects, is withdrawn.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government will continue to fund those Regional Partnerships projects that have an executed funding agreement in place with the Government.  Requests for additional funding for Regional Partnerships projects with an executed funding agreement in place will not be considered.

Projects that have sought a review of the previous Government's decision will not be considered.

Applicants will be formally notified by letter by the Department of the program's closure.  Further information can be obtained by ringing the Regional Partnerships Information Line 1800 038 160.

Potential applicants with projects under development that have not yet been lodged have been advised that the program is now closed.

The Government foreshadowed in the Federal Budget that it would introduce a new Regional and Local Community Infrastructure program to “deliver major investments in regional and local community, recreational and environmental infrastructure initiatives as part of its next budget.  To make sure the program is developed properly and reflects the needs of regional communities, the Government will consult widely with the community.  The public consultations are expected to be conducted by the new RDA network and the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

The Better Regions program is to fund only election commitments and no new applications will be accepted under this program.  There will be $176m made available under the program.

The administration of the Rural Medical Infrastructure Fund (RMIF) will now reside within the Australian Department of Health and Ageing portfolio

The ACC is participating in the consultative process with the Government, other ACCs and the community, in helping to shape the future role of what will become RDA local committees and future funding programs.

In the meantime, the ACC stands ready to assist organisations to review their funding strategies and identify possible alternate funding sources.