The Australian Government's approach to regional development is to work in partnership with communities, government and the private sector to foster the development of self-reliant communities and regions.
COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund
In March 2020 the former government established a $1 billion COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund to support regions, communities and industry sectors that were disproportionately affected by the Coronavirus crisis. The initiatives announced under the Fund have supported industries including aviation, agriculture, fisheries, tourism and the arts. The $1 billion COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund has been fully allocated.
What initiatives were part of the Fund?
The following initiatives were part of the COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund:
- Regional Airlines Funding Assistance Program
- Regional Airline Network Support Program
- Maintaining critical global air links
- Levy Relief for Commonwealth Fisheries
- Export Market Development Grants Scheme
- Supporting Indigenous Visual Art Centres
- Crisis Relief for Regional Arts
- Support Act: Crisis Relief for Artists, Crew and Music Workers
- Supporting Australia's Exhibiting Zoos and Aquariums
- Commonwealth National Parks - Support for Tourism - Fee Waivers
- Temporary waiver of the Environmental Management Charge for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
- Renewing the ReefHQ Aquarium in Townsville
- Financial Counselling to Support Small Regional Business
- Seafood sector COVID-19 support - “Eat Seafood Australia”
- Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Packages
- Securing Forestry Resources for Economic Recovery
- Oil Recycling Sector COVID-19 Support
- Business Events - Grants Program
- Recovery for Regional Tourism
- Regional Recovery Partnerships
- Great Barrier Reef Tourism Industry Activation and Reef Protection
- Reef Builder - The Coastal Communities Recovery Project
- Sustaining Tourism at Australia's Iconic World and National Heritage Sites
- Supporting Cinemas' Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods (SCREEN) Fund
- Playing Australia Regional Recovery Investment
La Trobe Valley Economic Diversification Program
Funded from: 2013–2016
The Latrobe Valley Economic Diversification Program was announced in 2013 and will provide up to $10.85 million to two infrastructure projects to support economic diversification in the Latrobe Valley in Victoria. The projects to be funded are:
- Warragul Station Precinct Upgrade project - $3.35 million Australian Government funding; and
- Moe Rail Precinct Revitalisation Project - $7.5 million Australian Government funding.
A list of projects can be found on the grants reporting webpage.
Regional Projects Program
Funded from: 2011–2012
Funding totaling $15.172 million was allocated to 15 projects under the Regional Projects Program and all payments were made in June 2012. A value for money assessment was conducted by the Department on each of the identified projects before a Funding Agreement was executed.
A list of projects can be found on the grants reporting webpage.
Regional Development Initiative Program
Funded from: 2011–2012
Funding totaling $14.613 million was allocated to seven projects under the Regional Development Initiative Program and all payments were made in June 2012. A value for money assessment was conducted by the Department on each of the identified projects before a Funding Agreement was executed.
A list of projects can be found on the grants reporting webpage.
Regional Development Australia Fund
Funded from 2011–12 to 2016–2017
The Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) was first announced in 2011 and was set up to support the infrastructure needs and economic growth of Australia's regions. The Program funded capital infrastructure projects identified as priorities by local communities. The Program was undertaken in four funding rounds.
A list of projects can be found on the grants reporting webpage.
South Australian River Murray Sustainability Program (SARMS)
The National Partnership Agreement (NPA) on South Australian River Murray Sustainability Program (SARMS) committed $265 million of Australian Government funding to the Government of South Australia to support a healthy working Murray-Darling Basin.
Part A delivered the $80 million South Australian River Murray Irrigation Efficiency and the $40 million South Australian Government Water Purchase Elements (Schedule A), which is managed by the Department of the Environment. It will also deliver the $25 million South Australian Regional Economic Development Element (Schedule B), which was managed by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development.
Part B will delivered the $120 million South Australian River Murray Irrigation Industry Assistance Element (Schedule A). The Commonwealth responsibilities of this Element are managed by the Department of Agriculture.
The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s element is complete and was made up of three components:
- $7.5 million to redevelop the Loxton Research Centre
- $5.0 million for an Industry-led Research Sub-program
- $12.5 million for a Regional Development and Innovation Sub-program