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HofR "Roundtable" at
Shepparton 08.08.08
NEVACC attended the House of Representatives Roundtable in Shepparton 08.08.08 to discuss a new regional infrastructure development programme. There was a number of community representatives present at the Roundtable and all were asked to provide in-depth comments on what a new programme will fund, how it will be assessed, managed and monitored, and who can apply for funding. This follows on from some 250+ submissions made to the HofR Inquiry which clearly demonstrates the interest that regional Australia has in continuing funding for community projects.
To read about the 'evidence' given at all the Roundtables, go to www.aph.gov/house/committee/itrdlg/regionaldevelopment/subs.htm and click on "Roundtables" to read the Hansard Reports.
NEVACC's submission to the HofR Inquiry is on the same site under "Submissions" and is listed at Number 92 if you would like to read it?
Chance to tell the Government what to do?
The (Federal) House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has completed an inquiry into regional development funding and how a new programme could best be used to meet local regional development needs. Information on the parameters of the Inquiry can be found at "www.aph.gov.au/itrdlg" and I urge all readers to read the submissions already placed on this website by the HofR Inquiry Secretariat.
NEVACC has now made its own submission to the Parliament. (see above)
SBFO Programme to finish 30.06.08
NEVACC has been advised that the Small Business Field Officer Programme Contract which it manages on behalf of the Federal Government will not continue past the contract expiry date of 30.06.08.
Regional Partnerships Closed 13.05.08
The Rudd Government, in its 2008 Budget (13.05.08), closed the Regional Partnerships programme (RPp). NEVACC had been previously advised all projects, regardless of their status, that did not have an executed Contract in place on Budget Night will not be funded under any circumstances. However, last week (approx 30.05.08), Minister Albanese announced that RPp projects that had received an offer to proceed to contract negotiation stage prior to the calling of the 07 Federal election would be offered the chance to complete these negotiations. No new applications will be allowed. Proponents that had RPp applications "in the Department" have received formal advice from DITRDLG regarding their applications.
RPp proponents wishing to check on the status of their applications can phone 1800 038 160 to enquire.
Regional Medical Infrastructure Fund (RMIF)
RMIF has been 'moved' from DITRDLG to Department of Health & Ageing following the 2008 Budget. DHA has been asked to 'consider' possible funding of RMIF applications (previously administered and submitted under RPp).
NEVACC Chairman launches the dig for Ned Kelly
On 05th May 08, NEVACC's Chairman Eric Lund AM, in front of the nation's major media, launched the "dig" at the historic Anne Jones Hotel in Glenrowan - the site of the (in)famous Ned Kelly Seige. The dig is being conducted at the most significant historical archaelogical site in Australia by Australia's most noted archaelogists and curators, with some 40 University Archaelogy students assisting to gain invaluable field experience. The 4 weeks long "dig" is funded through the Federal government's RPp, Vic State Government and the Rural City of Wangaratta.
After 4 weeks of intensive archaeology, the "dig" is now complete with some 7,500 artifacts uncovered and removed for scientific evaluation, including spent bullets, cartridges and a percussion cap that was of the same make of Ned Kelly's pistol used during the siege as well as the remains of burnt stumps / flooring.
The team is hoping to return in the future and uncover the remains of Anne Jones' home which was at the rear of the hotel site.
ACCs 'transitioning' to "Regional Devlopment Australia" (RDAs)
The ITRDLG Minister Anthony Albanese announced in a Parliamentary speech on 20th March 2008 that the ACC Network was to 'transition' to become local Regional Devlopment Australia offices. Minister Albanese's speech stated that the RDAs would build on and expand the achievements of the national ACC Network and each RDA would act as a regional advisory body to himself and the Australian Government on infrastrcuture matters and other issues and concerns as required.
Vic / Tas ACCs meet to 'design' RDAs
All Victorian and Tasmanian ACCs met in Melbourne on 29th April 2008 to prepare a combined States' submission to ITRDLG Minister Anthony Albanese on the future role, structure and functions on the new RDAs. The 'paper' compiled was then forwarded to Minister Albanese for his consideration. The ACC Network is now waiting on the Minister's response to the all-States 'papers' presented to him on 06th May 2008.
Regional
Partnership programme (RPp) :
RPP proponents who are still waiting to hear on the results of outstanding RPp applications that have been "in Canberra" since the November 07 Federal Election need to ring 1800 038 160 for further information.
To
date, 53 applications from
the North East for funding through Regional
Partnerships have been approved which has
resulted in $13,503,123.00
of Federal funds being invested in regional
development in North East Victoria (average $s : approved project = $264,209). Visit
the Regional
Partnerships Project Assessments
page in this website to find outmore about
the successful projects.
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