Fact sheet 6: Regional development
New initiatives for regional development include:
Funding for icon projects identified and supported by local communities under the Regional Partnerships program. Six significant regional icon projects will receive $27.8 million over three years (including $7.9 million in 2004-05). 15 Tasmanian projects share $2.8 million and 14 other projects will benefit from $10.8 million in grants.
An additional $4.8 million over two years for election commitments through the Regional Partnerships program.
$4 million over two years towards the development of the Thuringowa Riverway in Townsville through the Regional Partnerships program.
$15 million over three years for the Rural Medical Infrastructure Fund (RMIF) to help rural councils establish 'walk-in walk-out' community medical facilities in small communities, making it easier to recruit or retain general practitioners. The RMIF will provide grants of up to $200,000 to help rural councils set up these medical centres in smaller communities.
An increase of 20,000 places to the Skill Stream of the Migration program in 2005-06. Within the Skill Stream, at least 18,000 visas will be granted under State Specific and Regional Migration categories.
$10.8 million over five years from 2004-05, with $6.1 million identified in 2005-06 for Bank@Post services. The new services will be provided to licensed post offices resulting in better business and personal banking services for many rural and isolated communities.
$50 million over three years, with $10 million allocated in 2005-06, for the metropolitan broadband Blackspots program aiming to provide access to equitably priced broadband services in metropolitan areas where such services are not available.
$500,000 to extend the Festivals Australia program to support artists' residencies in regional areas. The additional funding will be used to enable performing and visual artists and writers to assist communities to tell their own stories in a culturally relevant way and to present these stories in a community celebration or festival.
