Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Regional solutions to fund community initiatives

Recently the Federal Government announced the Regional Solutions Programme to assist regional, rural and remote communities to build their capacity to identify and implement development opportunities.

The Government will provide $90 million over four years to communities to undertake projects that will lead to economic diversification and strengthen their social structures.

The Programme will focus on filling gaps among existing funding programmes.

Targets for the Regional Solutions Programme will include non-profit organisations in regional areas that are experiencing high levels of unemployment, economic stagnation and / or population decline due to industry restructuring or a lack of development opportunities.

The Programme will build on the successful Rural Communities Programme and the Rural Plan initiative and will enable local communities to obtain support in developing 'local solutions to local problems'.

The Programme recognises that one size does not fit all.

Communities will have the opportunity to develop their projects by selecting from a menu of activities eligible for funding.

These activities can range from developing community plans to investing in community infrastructure projects, with grants available between $1,000 and $500,000.

Applications for funding will be advertised nationally in late September of this year, with guidelines and application forms available at that time.

The Programme will offer a number of application rounds each year for the next 4 years.

More information on the Regional Solutions Programme can be found on the website at www.dotrs.gov.au/regional/solutions

Alternatively you can contact Countrylink Australia on 1800 026 222 (freecall)

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