Yesterday the Rudd Labor Government announced a $300 million program to build local community infrastructure in all of Australia's 565 local council areas.
This $300 million Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP) will boost local economic development and support jobs in communities around the country.
Funding will be delivered under the program by 30 June 2009 to ensure the stimulatory effects of this package are delivered to local economies as quickly as possible.
This $300 million down-payment will be delivered as follows:
- $250 million
- A one-off grant of $250 million allocated to every council and shire for local community infrastructure;
- Each council will receive a minimum payment of $100,000;
- Councils above 30,000 people in areas of high growth, as classified by the state and territory local government grants commissions will receive an additional $300,000 growth component;
- Allocations would range from $100,000 for councils with fewer than 5,000 people to $2.9 million for the largest council, based on population growth and needs;
- Councils would be required to submit proposals that meet the program's guidelines in order to claim their allocation.
- $50 million fund
- $50 million strategic projects fund for larger-scale community infrastructure to help deliver an additional injection of investment in communities; and
- This will be competitive, application-based, accountable and open to only those projects seeking a minimum Commonwealth contribution of $2 million.
It is expected that Northern Rivers councils will receive anything from $100,000 to $500,000 each under the first funding category.
However it is less clear as to whether the second category will deliver when faced with the competing claims of more populated metropolitan councils.
The Awards
On 18 November the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, has presented the 2008 National Awards for Local Government at a function to welcome over 400 of the nation's mayors and shire presidents to Canberra for the inaugural meeting of the Australian Council of Local Government.
The NSW North Coast made a brave showing in the awards list.
NATIONAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE: Clarence Valley Council, NSW
Project: The Clarence Floodplain project- Reviving Floodplain Watercourses and Wetlands
The Clarence Floodplain Project (CFP) is a model project under the Clarence Valley Sustainability Initiative.
Over many years extensive drainage systems were dug to protect communities from the impact of floods. Whilst bringing many benefits, a combination of drainage and blockage of natural creek systems has resulted in poor water quality, fish kills, acid problems and the complete loss or over-drainage of extensive wetlands.
A CFP committee was established by Council and includes state agencies responsible for natural resource management, representatives from Clarence sugar, fishing and grazing industries and aboriginal, conservation and Landcare representatives.
Under the CFP more than 70 floodplain watercourses and wetlands have been 'revived' and has resulted in the revival of important wetlands and around 200km of floodgated waterways.
NATIONAL AWARD FOR MERIT: Clarence Valley Council, NSW
Project: Clarence Valley Youth Summer Events Program
The Program was designed by young people to provide low cost or no cost activities over the summer school holiday period.
Innovation in Regional Development - Commendations
RD005 - Nambucca Shire Council, NSW - Collaborating industry and Local Government
RD006 - Clarence Valley Council, NSW - Clarence Edge
Young people plan, organise and run the program and performances such as; Spaghetti Circus workshops; music production, and surf clinics.
The Youth Committee's adopt the principles of social inclusion and accessibility to underpin the program. Indigenous youth and those with a disability are also encouraged to participate, transport is free and activities cater for broad interests.
The Program enables local businesses to engage with young people. The activities have resulted in a greater respect for youth initiative and show that the young people within the community can participate without anti-social behaviour, promotes volunteering, welcomes visitors and provides social networks for new residents.
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