www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au national stronger regions fund an overview for prospective applicants...

www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au

National Stronger Regions FundAn overview for prospective applicants

Russell Mason, CEOMax Standage, ChairmanRegional Development Australia (RDA) Sunshine Coast

October 2014

Today’s presentation

• National Stronger Regions Fund overview• Objective and outcomes• Key points to note• Eligibility – who and what• Assessment criteria• Role of RDA Sunshine Coast• RDA Sunshine Coast Regional Roadmap priorities• Key dates• How to apply


National Stronger Regions Fund (NSRF) Overview

• $1 billion Commonwealth Government program • $200 million a year over 5 years to fund priority

infrastructure in local communities that promote economic development in Australia’s regions –

• Investing in crucial infrastructure projects that deliver economic and social benefits

• Encouraging strong partnerships with the private sector and local and state governments


NSRF Objective & OutcomesNSRF Objective - to fund investment ready projects which support economic growth and sustainability of regions across Australia, particularly disadvantaged regions, by supporting investment in priority infrastructure.Desired outcomes of the NSRF are:• Improved level of economic activity in regions• Increased productivity in the regions• Increased employment and a better skilled workforce• Increased capacity and improved capability for regions to deliver

major projects, and to secure and manage investment funding• Improved partnerships between local, state and territory

governments, the private sector and community groups• More stable and viable communities, where people choose to live


Key points $200 million funding per year for 5 years Competitive grants program Local Govt and incorporated NFPs are eligible to apply for grants of

between $20,000 and $10 million Grant funding must be matched in cash on at least a dollar for dollar basis Projects must be for ‘investment ready’ capital projects and support

economic growth and sustainability, particularly in disadvantaged regions Applications are submitted on line from an online portal

http://gms.infrastructure.gov.au/Ul and supporting docs are uploaded as with the application

Round One deadline for applications is 5pm local time, 28 November 2014 Round Two will open on 1 May 2015 and close 31 July 2015 Applications to be appraised by the Department of Infrastructure and

Regional Development who will make recommendations to a Ministerial Panel


http://gms.infrastructure.gov.au/Ul

Eligibility – Who?• Eligible Organisations

Local councils Not-for-profit organisations (not owned by a Local, State or Territory Gov)Other organisations can participate where they are a member of a

consortium led by an eligible applicant

• Ineligible OrganisationsX State and Northern Territory governmentsX State and Territory owned corporations and NFPsX Universities, TAFE, schools and hospitalsX RDA committeesX For profit organisations


Eligibility – What?• Eligible Projects

Investment-ready projects which involve the construction of new infrastructure, or the upgrade, extension or enhancement of existing infrastructure

Grant of at least $20,000 and up to $10MCo-funding in cash on at least $1 for $1Economic benefit must be delivered to the region beyond the period of

constructionCompleted by 31 December 2019

• Ineligible Projects are those that x Do not deliver sustainable economic benefitsx Are eligible for funding under the National Disaster Relief and Recovery

Arrangements (NDRRA)x Seek to shift costs from State or Local Gov to the Commonwealth; and/orx Are integral elements of hospitals (which are funded by other Gov initiatives)


Assessment Criteria – Economic Growth

Criterion 1: the extent to which the Project/Sub-Project contributes to economic growth in the region (50% weighting)

More efficient use of resources Increases in productivity or capacity Creation of direct and indirect employment (beyond construction) Increases to exports and/or import replacement Increases in industry economic competitiveness More efficient supply chains Diversification of the industrial base and local businesses Increases to local capability to access funding and deliver projects


Assessment Criteria – Addresses disadvantage

Criterion 2: Demonstrate the extent to which the Project/Sub-Project supports or addresses disadvantage in a region (16.66% weighting)

Using indexes such as the Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Use data such as Unemployment data, average income data, average

weekly earnings, number of welfare recipients, number of single income families etc… (Use data available on sources such as http://profile.id.com.au/ or http://statistics.oesr.qld.gov.au/ or http://www.abs.gov.au/

Significant population change – Both increases and decreases


http://profile.id.com.au/

http://profile.id.com.au/

http://statistics.oesr.qld.gov.au/

http://statistics.oesr.qld.gov.au/

http://www.abs.gov.au/

http://www.abs.gov.au/

Assessment Criteria - Partnerships

Criterion 3: the extent to which the Project/Sub-Project increases investment and builds partnerships in the region (16.66% weighting)

Partner contributions Number of significant partners (do not have to be eligible

organisations) In-kind support for the project


Assessment Criteria – Viability and sustainability

Criterion 4: the extent to which the Project/Sub-Project and Applicant are viable and sustainable (16.66% weighting)

The applications financial position Quality of supporting documentation Whether all appropriate planning, building, zoning, environmental and

other approvals are in place or will be in place within 6 months of the project agreement being signed

Is the project ‘Investment Ready’ – That is will it be ready to start construction within 12 months of signing the finding agreement

The Applicant’s history in managing grant funding Any and all risks


Role of RDA Sunshine CoastPromoting the NSRF and helping to identify potential infrastructure

projects that contribute to long term economic growthIdentification of regional prioritiesBring parties together with respect to projectsAssisting proponents with applications


RDA Sunshine Coast Regional Roadmap Priorities

Economic Development Health and wellbeing Agribusiness Regional Economic Development Strategy

Investment in Infrastructure Transport infrastructure (Broadband, road, rail and airport(s).)

Digital Innovation Digital Sunshine Coast

Human Capital Skilled workforce and youth employment

Sustainable Communities


Key datesNSRF Announced

1 October 2014NSRF Guidelines Published

1 October 2014Round One Applications Open

1 October 2014Round One Applications Close 5pm 28 November 2014Round One Application Assessment Completed

31 March 2015Announcements of Round One Projects to be funded

May 2015Round Two Applications Open

1 May 2015Round Two Applications Close

31 July 2015Round Two Application Assessment Completed 31 October 2015Announcement of Round Two Projects to be fundedDecember 2015


How to apply

• Via the online application form at http://gms.infrastructure.gov.au/UI along with supporting documents (up to 20) to be uploaded (page 9 of the guidelines)

• Guidelines, Frequently Asked Questions, Sample Application Form on the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s website – www.infrastructure.gov.au/nsrf

• Questions can be emailed to [email protected]


http://gms.infrastructure.gov.au/UI

http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/nsrf

mailto:[email protected]

Contact details

Russell MasonCEO, RDA Sunshine CoastMob: (07) 5475 9717Email: [email protected]

Questions / DiscussionThis presentation is intended as an overview only – for

the full guidelines visit www.infrastructure.gov.au


mailto:[email protected]

http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/

www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au national stronger regions fund an overview for prospective applicants...

Documents