Expressions of Interest sought to be a part of Regional Development Australia – Queensland committees

Applications are now being sought from enthusiastic people who are committed to the future of their region.

A new network of 12 committees to be known as Regional Development Australia (RDA) is being established across Queensland. RDA committees will become the Australian and Queensland Governments' principal advisory mechanism on regional development issues.

RDA Committees will represent the broad interests of 12 regions across the State and will be drawn from a cross section of regional communities, reflecting the economic, social and cultural diversity of each region.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable:
- economic development
- business or management
- environment
- education
- community services
- social inclusion.

Each committee will have 10 members, including a chair and deputy chair. Two of these members will be local government representatives to ensure that the three levels of government work in partnership to benefit local communities and find local solutions.

In the Wide Bay Burnett, there will be 1 RDA committee to replace the Wide Bay Burnett Area Consultative Committee.

To learn more about the new RDA network including how to apply for a position on the new Wide Bay Burnett Committee please go to http://www.rda.gov.au/ or by contact Felicity Van Der Zwan on (02) 6274 7290

Maxine McKew has been sworn in as the new Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, as part of the changes to the Ministry following the recent resignation of former Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, in announcing the changes said Ms McKew would "further assist in this infrastructure roll out, with a particular focus on community infrastructure and local government."

Gary Gray has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Western and Northern Australia. "Mr Gray's extensive knowledge of the West and the Northern Territory, and its particular challenges for the future in terms of resource, land and infrastructure management and development make him ideally positioned to take on this role," the Prime Minister said. For full details click here.

Funding: Min per grant: $5,000 Additional Info: The amount of funding requested cannot be greater than 25% of the total event budget (cash and in-kind).

Closes: 7 August 2009

Purpose: The program aims to extend the flow of economic and social benefits of events to regional Queensland.

Overview: Events which are successful under this program best meet the following key objectives:
• To increase local economic activity and development;
• To enhance the profile and appeal of the destination in which they are held;
• To enhance the visitor experience; and
• To demonstrate future growth and sustainability.

What activities are eligible for funding?
• The employment of personnel to further develop and/or market the event.
• Operational costs where it can be demonstrated that the funding will contribute to improving the visitor experience e.g. visitor facilities such as temporary toilets or improved access and long term development of the event.
• Strategic marketing campaigns to increase awareness and visitation.
• Methods to address long-term development of the event.

There are two types of QERDP funding that can be applied for:
• Core funding - All eligible events are encouraged to apply for support under this program. New events must prove that they are more than just a 'good idea'. They must have demonstrated and tangible community support for the event and the organiser must demonstrate that the event will proceed without the QERDP funds.
• Significant Regional Events Scheme (SRES) funding($50,000 per year plus GST), for up to three years - The Significant Regional Events Scheme (SRES) celebrates the state's most outstanding events, under the Queensland Events Regional Development Program. SRES funding is designed to maximise the outcomes and performance of regional events that have a proven track record of sustained growth under the program.

For more information CLICK HERE.

Junior Landcare is Landcare Australia's youth program, which aims to get kids actively involved in their environment and enable them to develop sustainable habits from a young age. It is a great, hands-on way to get kids connecting with and learning about nature, as well as encouraging them to get outdoors.

Most project applications will be expected to have a value of $500 to $1000 and will be more likely to be successful if the projects:

• involve the school community or broader local community
• have determined educational outcomes with an environmental focus
• link with a community landcare entity
• are well planned and documented
• are student-oriented and allow maximum student involvement.

For more information go to http://www.landcareonline.com/funding_opportunity_details.asp?fo_id=6

The Australian Government has launched a handy online tool to allow community members to see how the economic stimulus money is being spent in the various areas around Australia.

All that is required is to type in a street address or postcode. From there a map is dispalyed showing how the government funds are spent in the area categorised under the following categories: Education; Community Infrastructure; Road and Rail; Housing; Insulation; and Solar. See http://www.economicstimulusplan.gov.au/