Latest Developments
19 December
Clean Technology Investment Program
The Clean Technology Investment Program and the Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program will provide grants to help manufacturing businesses to invest in energy efficient capital equipment and low emissions technologies, processes and products. The Programs are expected to be open to applications in early 2012. Read more
6 December
Major milestone reached in $20 billion Ichthys project
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today welcomed a major milestone in the progress of the $20 billion Ichthys project.
The Chief Minister today joined representatives at a signing ceremony of the Sales Purchase Agreement (SPA) between Ichthys LNG Pty Ltd and a consortium of five major Japanese utility companies to purchase LNG from the Ichthys project. Read full media release
14 November 2011
Education, jobs and tackling alcohol abuse the key to building\ stronger futures in the Northern Territory
The Australian Government has announced new initiatives to tackle the priority issues for Aboriginal people living in remote communities in the Northern Territory.
The Government will work together with Aboriginal people and the Northern Territory Government to ensure children are going to school and getting a decent education; to do more to tackle alcohol abuse; and to deliver a $19.1 million jobs package to create more jobs in remote communities and help provide people with a sustainable economic base. Read full media release
14 November 2011
Building stronger futures for children in the Northern Territory
Educational outcomes for children across the Northern Territory will be improved under an expanded initiative that links income support payments with school attendance.
The Australian Government will enhance the Improving School Enrolment and Attendance through Welfare Reform Measure (SEAM), so that it aligns with the Northern Territory Government’s Every Child Every Day strategy and promotes greater parental responsibility around a child’s school enrolment and attendance. Read full media release
03 November 2011
The Hon Simon Crean MP, has just announced the opening of Round Two of the Regional Australia Development Fund (RDAF), worth $200 million. View guidelines
RDA Committees Real Winners in New Funding Round
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Committees have a key role to play in shaping regional Infrastructure investment to meet regional needs during Round Two of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF).
Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development & Local Government, Simon Crean announced Round Two of the fund, worth $200 million.
Key aspects of Round Two are, a two stage application process that will reduce costs for applicants; Imbed local decision making, and provide early certainty for project proponents about funding for their project.
As part of this new role, RDA Committees will review Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from all potential applicants and select three viable priority projects from their region to progress to full application.
Damien Ryan Chair RDA-Northern Territory said “RDA Committees are community leaders uniquely placed to determine viable projects which align with their regional priorities and plans. We welcome the opportunity to having a stronger voice and contribute directly to the Government’s Localism approach. The regions and local communities are going to be the real winners.”
The new process for RDAF Round Two is as follows:
- Eligible applicants are required to submit one EOI form for a single project, to their RDA Committee by Thursday,1 December 2011. The form is available on the Department’s
website. - RDA Committees will review each EOI and select three viable priority projects from their region to proceed to full application.
- Full applications will be assessed by the Department of Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government against the eligibility and selection criteria, risk and value for money.
- Applications will be considered by the RDAF Advisory Panel which will provide advice to Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Simon Crean MP. The Minister will make decisions on projects to be funded.
In prioritizing three viable priority projects the Minister has asked RDA Committees to take into account, priorities in their REGIONAL PLAN, the capacity of the project to address needs in the region and neighbouring regions, and readiness to proceed.
The RDA Fund is worth almost $1 billion over five years (some of which is subject to the passage of the Minerals Resource TAX) and is designed to boost economic and community development as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to regional Australia. A total of $200 million has been provided in Round Two.
More information including the Round Two Guidelines, key dates and full details on the EOI process can be found at www.regional.gov.au. Applicants can ask questions relating to the application and assessment process by emailing rdaf@regional.gov.au.
October 2011
ABARES Regional Outlook Conference held in Darwin
RDANT attended the Australian Bureau of Agricultural & Resource Economics & Science (ABARES) Regional Outlook conference held in Darwin in October. The Regional Outlook conference is an essential part of ABARES delivery of commodity forecasts & research results, directly related to regional & rural communities. The conference in Darwin was specifically tailored to the situation in the NT, including segments on the current status of live animal exports, a presentation by the Indigenous Land Corporation which described the success & plans for the future expansion of the Gunbalanya indigenous people in operating an abattoir for cattle & buffalo for consumption in the immediate region of the surrounding communities, as well as the town of Katherine.
Other sessions discussed at the conference included commodity forecasts, industry trends in the region & how to access information, make new contacts, networking & new approaches to traditional issues. The fishing industry from an operators experiences in Darwin from a commercial & retail perspective was also a topic discussed. Weather & climate in the Territory was another presentation with forecasts of what was likely ahead & its impact on food producers operating across the region. An update was also provided on the INPEX Icthys gas project & its forecast impact in Darwin as the project comes on line & develops in the region.
The ABARES conference was well attended by a strong representation of Departmental, Industry groups & other institutions who contributed significantly to the success of the annual event.
25 October 2011
Japan/Northern Territory Business Partnership
The 48th Japan Australia Joint Business Conference in Kyoto was attended by more than 200 senior top business people from Australia and Japan.
Northern Australia will be the growth generator for Australia and Darwin is its capital.
With massive resources onshore and offshore, a stable government and capital city services, there are few places in the world that have more opportunities than the Northern Territory.
The message at the conference that the Northern Territory was open for business, was well received.
Further, there is clearly widespread confidence in Japan regarding the imminent final investment decision on the Icthys project. The demand for LNG is growing and this underpins not only Icthys but also many other gas fields that are moving towards production.
This, combined with the recent visit of the 33 person Japanese business delegation to Darwin has contributed to the awareness of the Territory in Japan. The Northern Territory can look forward to a great deal of business activity and jobs in the coming years.
24 October 2011
Strengthening Support for Indigenous Culture
The Australian Government has strengthened support for Indigenous culture by streamlining the funding process and launching a new Indigenous Repatriation Policy, Arts Minister Simon Crean announced today.
Mr Crean said the competitive funding round of $28.3 million for Indigenous culture, languages and visual arts has recently opened.
The Australian Government recognises the value and importance preserving, revitalising and strengthening Indigenous culture and this finding round sees the creation of a single set of streamline funding guidelines for Indigenous culture, languages and visual arts projects.
It will make it easier for artists and organisations to access these funds which currently support nearly three hundred Indigenous projects throughout Australia.
Mr Crean also announced a new Australia Government policy on Indigenous Repatriation, strengthening the Government's commitment of facilitate dialogue between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, national and international collecting institutions and other relevant stakeholders. The Indigenous Repatriation Program underpins the Policy.
The streamlined funding and consolidation of the domestic and international repatriation programs will generate a stronger recognition if Indigenous culture, languages and visual arts both here and internationally.
The latest round of funding is open from29 October 2011 until 3 February 2012. Further information from http://www.arts.gov.au/indigenous
Changes to RDA Update and Newsflashes
26 September 2011
Following a consultation period we are pleased to announce a number of changes to the way information is communicated to Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees.
In the September edition of the RDA Update we canvassed a number of proposed changes to the RDA Update and RDA Newsflashes. These changes were based on feedback from RDA committees, which included concerns about the high volume of RDA Newsflashes being distributed. The changes will enhance information sharing between RDA committees and all levels of government.
The refresh will include:
- online newsfeed on the secure member's area of www.rda.gov.au (replacing RDA Newsflashes)
- weekly email update summarising new posts (email alerts will be sent for urgent announcements)
- RDA Update rebranded to Regional Australia Update
- Regional Australia Update distributed to a wider audience (including local government, State and Territory governments and other Australian Government Departments)
- public news feed on the RDA website featuring good news stories about RDA committees, and
- a new email address update@regional.gov.au for all news enquiries (replacing rdaupdate@regional.gov.au).
We encourage all RDA committees to regularly check the member's area of www.rda.gov.au for important operational announcements. Please email rda@regional.gov.au if you require a login and password. Further enhancements to the RDA website will be announced in the coming months.
To view the new secure online newsfeed click here.
Breakthrough Indigenous contemporary music pilot initiative
The Minister for the Arts opened applications for Round 3 of Breakthrough on 15 September 2011.
Breakthrough
The Breakthrough program provides funding to emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands to produce a high quality recording of original tracks, suitable for broadcasting and commercial release. The program aims to provide greater exposure for the talent and creativity of Indigenous musicians as well as increase national and international audiences for Australian Indigenous contemporary music.
Breakthrough will fund up to $25,000 per successful applicant for eligible costs to help produce a high quality recording of their original tracks. Funding is available for two successful applicants.
Apply to Breakthrough
Round 3 of the Breakthrough program is now open. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 28 October 2011.
Please read the program information and guidelines carefully before completing your application form.
For more information see Australian Government Office for the Arts website, phone 02 6210 2860 or email contemporary.music@pmc.gov.au
Funding for Breakthrough in 2011 is provided by the Indigenous Culture Support program.
Round One of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) seeking feedback
The Department of Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government is currently seeking feedback from key stakeholders on Round One of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF).
Stakeholders now have the opportunity to provide feedback via an online feedback form. The feedback form provides stakeholders with the opportunity to comment on the program guidelines, application form, lodgement and assessment process.
RDAF Round One feedback (pdf) RDAF Survey Form for Round One (pdf)
RDAF Round One announced
7 September 2011 The results of the first round of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) have now been announced by the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Simon Crean MP. A copy of the media release is available from the Minister's website.
As part of the announcement, Mr Crean acknowledged the involvement of RDA committees in the program and advised that Round Two of RDAF is expected to open in November.
All information on the announcement is available from the Department of Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government website, including a full list of successful applicants.
RDAF fact sheet the full list of approved projects
RDA Committee - Expressions of Interest
29 August 2011 From Monday 29 August 2011 the first phase of an Expression of Interest (EOI) process will open to fill expiring vacancies on Regional Development Australia committees across the country.
Between now and 30 June 2012 vacancies will be filled in all States and Territories, and the first round will involve New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania. Appointments will be made by the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Simon Crean MP and by the relevant Ministers in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia (as well as the Local Government Association in South Australia). Minister Crean will appoint members to RDA Tasmania. Other States and Territories will be the subject of an EOI process later this financial year.
The Department of Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government will work closely with partner organisations (State Government departments and agencies and the South Australian Local Government Association), and support Minister Crean in his consideration of EOIs.
Expressions of Interest poster (pdf)
Further information from http://www.rda.gov.au/working.aspx
15 August 2011 Health Workforce Australia (HWA) is seeking input from community leaders on its Rural and Remote Health Workforce Innovation Strategy. Consultation sessions will be conducted in metropolitan, regional, rural and remote locations during September and October 2011. Those unable to attend a session are able to submit written feedback.
Consultation on rural and remote health workforce strategy Rural and remote health workforce innovation and refeorm strategy: Invitation to consultation sessions National Consultation Registration Form
11 August 2011 National Workforce Development Fund
8 August 2011 Review of remote participation and employment services consultations
Government lifts live cattle export suspension
6 July 2011 Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig today issued revised export control orders that open the way for trade in live feeder cattle with Indonesia. “These new orders allow the export of live cattle only where animals can be managed through supply chains that meet international standards. “These strict new conditions have been written into all export permits,” Minister Ludwig said. “They require exporters to trace cattle from properties, onto vessels, into feedlots and into abattoirs that meet agreed international standards. “Permits will only be issued to those exporters who can demonstrate that this will be the case.” Minister Ludwig said the appropriate standards to apply to the trade were those contained in the World Animal Health guidelines (OIE). “Exporters will have to collect and make public data on the consignments they take to market, including where animals are fattened, how they are transported and where they are slaughtered. “Supply chains will be verified by commercial independent auditors with the entire process to be independently audited on a regular basis. These audit reports will be made public. “The Government understands that producers and other businesses participating in the industry have been doing it tough. “These reforms will provide the industry with a sustainable long term future. “We will continue to work closely with industry to ensure the welfare of Australian cattle remains at the heart of this trade – a trade that has a strong future.”
- Export Control Repeal Order 2011 - 6 July 2011 (ComLaw) Export Control Repeal Order 2011 - PDF 64kb
- Australian Meat and Live-stock Industry Order 2011 - 6 July 2011 PDF 115kb
New Grants Program gets strong response from Regional Australia16 May 2011 The Minister for Regional Australia Simon Crean today announced that Round One of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) had attracted around 300 applications for projects valued in the order of $1 billion. Up to $100 million is available for Round One applications and projects will be awarded on the basis of a competitive, merit-based assessment process. "I am delighted with the response. It shows that communities have truly embraced RDAF as an opportunity to unlock the potential of Australia's regions through locally driven solutions to regional needs," Mr Crean said. RDAF is providing almost $1 billion over five years to finance infrastructure projects that best fit regional needs and priorities. "Only applications that have been endorsed by local Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees and align with RDA Regional Plans are being considered. This ensures that program funds deliver on local priorities. "The 55 RDA committees are playing a pivotal, grass roots role in the RDAF process and I thank all members of the RDA network for their work on behalf of regional communities," Mr Crean said. The scope of the RDAF applications received is very broad and ranges from the construction of new buildings such as sporting complexes, through to the upgrade of existing facilities such as swimming pools and bridges. "The diversity of applications confirms our understanding that each region is unique with distinctive strengths and diverse needs," Mr Crean said. Funding projects under this program will:
"I look forward to receiving advice on the most meritorious applications from the independent RDAF Advisory Panel in June and will announce successful projects in July," Mr Crean said. Details of RDAF Round Two will be announced later this year and the program guidelines can be found at: www.regional.gov.au/regional/programs/rdaf.aspx RDA NT successful lobbyingRDA NT sent a letter to the Hon Simon Crean MP in February to request a review of the cessation of transitional funding for the employment of indigenous Australians by local governments in the Northern Territory. This lobbying has proved effective and produced a good outcome for RDA NT and LGANT with transitional funding continuing to be supported for 500 local government positions. 5th Indigenous Economic Development ForumThe 5th Indigenous Economic Development Forum is scheduled to be held in Darwin on the 13th and 14th of October, 2011. Full details are available here. |