Central Coast RDAF projects move to next stage
Regional Development Australia Central Coast and Federal MPs Jill Hall, Craig Thomson and Deb O’Neill have welcomed the announcement of three local projects proceeding to full application stage for the $200 million Round Two of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF).
The projects selected to proceed to full application are:
*Central Coast Alternative Care Group – Coastlink Lodge
*Gosford City Council – Narara Valley Sporting Complex
*Wyong Shire Council – Essential Support Infrastructure, Warnervale Town Centre
Member for Shortland Jill Hall said the announcement of the projects going to full application provides an opportunity to further demonstrate how the project will meet the needs of the region.
“The quality of the projects received in our region was very high, making it a difficult choice,” said Ms Hall.
“The projects chosen all took into the account the priorities of our Regional Plan and have the capacity to address the needs of the region,” she said.
Member for Dobell Craig Thomson said the projects have a strong level of community support and will have a positive long-term impact on the Central Coast region.
“Any Federal funding to help the long-awaited Warnervale Town Centre get underway would be welcomed across the community, as would support for the proposed Coastlink Lodge which provides Coast-wide services,” Mr Thomson said.
Not-for-profit homelessness charity Coast Shelter received $890,000 in Round One of the Regional Development Australia Fund to complete its Coast Community Centre in Gosford.
“Labor really is the only political party committed to developing the Central Coast as a region, and to delivering the kind of infrastructure and services our communities need,” said Member for Robertson Deb O’Neill.
“All three of these projects have been short-listed because of their capacity to improve the lives of people on the Central Coast.”
The list of projects selected across the RDA network that are proceeding to full application are available at www.regional.gov.au
The closing date for full applications is February 15, 2012. The Department will assess all applications to ensure compliance with the Guidelines.
Eligible applications will then be assessed by an Independent Advisory Panel and funded projects will be announced mid-year.
The RDAF is worth almost $1 billion over five years and is designed to boost economic and community development.
It is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to regional Australia. More information on RDAF can be found at www.regional.gov.au
Regional Development Australia Central Coast NSW
Regional Development Australia Central Coast NSW (RDACC) was created by merging the Central Coast of NSW Area Consultative Committee (CCACC) with Business Central Coast (BCC) (formerly the Economic Development Board for the Region).
Funding for the new organisation is shared between the Australian Government through the Department of Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government (DRARDLG) and the NSW State Government through Department of Trade & Investment, Regional Infrastructure & Services.
RDACC commenced operation on 1 July 2009, and is located in the offices of the former BCC at the University of Newcastle, Ourimbah campus, in the Business Incubator.