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| Regional projects in jeopardy | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Feb 13 2009, 06:36 AM (36 Views) | |
| Warren | Feb 13 2009, 06:36 AM Post #1 |
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Regional projects in jeopardy REGIONAL projects dependent on Australian Government funding and valued at more than $3 million could be scrapped or severely reduced following last week’s Federal Budget. The Regional Partnerships program, which has funded many projects throughout the Great Southern, has been axed along with the Great Southern Area Consultative Committee (GSACC). However, all Government programs will be replaced as part of a new Regional Development Australia network from January 1, 2009. A Department of Regional Development spokesperson said the new body would take on a broader role to provide strategic input into national programs, improve the coordination of regional development initiatives, link closely to local governments and other regional organisations. “We are establishing Regional Development Australia (RDA) with an allocation of more than $17 million this year to ensure effective engagement with communities,” the spokesperson said. “The RDA’s final structure will be developed over this year in consultation with regional communities and stakeholders.” The new Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP) and our Better Regions election commitments will replace Sustainable Regions and the Regional Partnerships programs. The RCLIP will commence from 2009-10. “To make sure the program is developed properly and reflects the needs of regional communities, we will be consulting widely with the community,” the spokesperson said. Public consultations are to be conducted by the new RDA network and the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. “Once these consultations have concluded, we will announce further details of how the new program will work,” the spokesperson said. The Regional Partnerships program axing affects projects including the ANZAC Peace Park ($430,000), Mt Barker Baptist Community Centre ($430,000), Albany Gateway Portal Platform Redevelopment ($45,000) and Gnowangerup Community Centre ($875,000). The City of Albany’s hopes for extra funding for the entertainment centre was also been thrown into doubt with the Growing Regions Funding structure being axed. The GSACC will be replaced as part of a new RDA network from January 1, 2009. O’Connor MHR Wilson Tuckey said the Rudd Government had cancelled over $3.1m in Regional Partnership funding for the electorate. “From being one of the highest funded electorates for Regional Partnerships in Australia, the Government has cancelled the entire structure and will only honour contracts that have been confirmed in writing by the Department,” Mr Tuckey said. “This leaves over 10 projects which have outstanding value to add to their rural communities now in ruins.” Regional Partnership funding was predicated on matching funding by the WA State Government, Lotteries West, Shire Councils and in-kind contributions from the community. Mr Tuckey said no projects in O’Connor were under any shadow of impropriety and to punish rural communities so indiscriminately it totally reprehensible. “Growing Regions funding of $200m, which many shires in O’Connor had hoped to apply for, has also been erased,” he said. “This funding was for major projects to deliver infrastructure development in rural areas.” Regional Partnerships applications currently under assessment will not be considered for funding if no agreement has been secured. The Coalition was accused late last year of signing off many Regional Partnerships applications in marginal seats in the dieing days of office before the election. Minister Anthony Albanese said the Sustainable Regions and Regional Partnerships program was being replaced because the Australian National Audit Office discredited the two last year as having “fallen short of an acceptable standard of public administration.” A new RCLIP will fund future major investments in regional communities. |
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6:23 AM Jul 12