Below is a snapshot of regional funding program guidelines for the two new federal programs: Growing Regions Fund and the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.
This analysis shows where RCA’s recommendations have been adopted across both programs.
RCA Recommendation | Growing Regions Fund | Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program |
Funds to be exclusively allocated to regional communities: excluding suburban and metro projects | Yes – capital cities excluded | Yes – capital cities excluded |
Review the stated intention to allow State Governments to access federal regional grant programs | State Govts ineligible for funding | State Govts can apply provided they demonstrate a partnership with local government |
That the Govt commit to annual rounds of funding | Three rounds committed | Rolling fund – no open or close date |
Implement a two-step application process to ensure resources aren’t wasted filling in grant applications with little chance of success | Yes – EOI and then full application | No |
Guidelines should support the development of a broad range of enabling infrastructure | Yes | Yes, with the exception of housing and emergency management |
Funding caps should set Federal contribution at between $10 and $50 million and reflect an accurate population planning statistic | Yes – $500,000 – $15 million | Yes – $5 million – $50 million |
Council resources should be used to carry out infrastructure delivery as an in-kind contribution | No | Yes – contributions can be cash or in-kind |
Support for business case development | No | Stream 1 provides funding for business case development |
Image: City of Karratha