Minister of Regional Australia, Regional Development & Local Government, Simon Crean MP, last week announced 35 projects which were successful under Round One of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF).

Minister Crean said demand for funding was high with hundreds of applications received from around Australia.

"Up to $100 million was initially made available for investment-ready projects that supported the growth of local communities across the country.

"Over 550 applications were received and due to this strong response from communities we extended the amount available under Round One to $150 million.”
 
$1 billion has been made available to fund projects in regional and rural areas under the Federal Government's RDAF.

Round Two is due to open in November and is another opportunity for communities in our region to secure some of the next $150 million in funding.

Some of the criteria for funding includes direct and measurable economic, social and environmental benefit to the communities, and a clear business case that demonstrates the feasibility and sustainability. The projects also require strong community support.
 
FNQ's Regional Development Australia chairman, Allan Dale, believes that demand will be high to secure a piece of the pie for projects that could include the Port Douglas Waterfront.

“We encourage those with strong proposals with real regional benefit to contact the RDA FNQ&TS office early, as we are keen to support groups get the best possible applications in place in plenty of time."