House of Assembly Fifty-Third Parliament, First Session (53-1) 53 1 Parliament of South Australia House of Assembly published Ministerial Statement Ministerial Statement Regional Development Fund Regional Development Fund The Hon. G.G. BROCK House of Assembly Frome Minister for Regional Development Minister for Local Government The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Frome—Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Local Government) (15:18): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement. Leave granted. The Hon. G.G. BROCK House of Assembly The Hon. G.G. BROCK: Today the government announced details of the much anticipated and enhanced $15 million Regional Development Fund, which is designed to stimulate economic growth, improve infrastructure, facilitate investment and create jobs in the regions. The significant increase in the fund from $1.6 million to $15 million a year was part of my agreement with the Premier and includes a range of initiatives that will benefit people in our regional communities. Establishing a new high-powered regional South Australia cabinet committee is part of my agreement, and that will ensure that there is a greater focus on regional South Australia in the making of government decisions, as well as improved coordination of government and funding arrangements for regional South Australia. The $39 million regional funding package I have negotiated for the year ahead includes a new one-off $10 million Jobs Accelerator Fund specifically aimed at creating jobs in the regions which is in addition to the $13.4 million boost in new moneys to the Regional Development Fund. The enhanced Regional Development Fund will deliver greater support for projects to provide direct outcomes for our regions through infrastructure development, jobs and leveraged investment in regional South Australia. The $15 million annual funding will be allocated through five new programs: The Major Projects Program is worth $8.55 million per annum to support major economic projects designed to strengthen regional industries and support local economies and opportunities through investment in strategic projects. The Community Infrastructure Program is worth $3 million per annum to support investment in regional communities to develop economic infrastructure and grow their capabilities as a foundation for future jobs and economic growth. The Small Grants Program is with $3 million to support new regional employment and investment opportunities linked with state government's priorities. The Regional Food Initiatives Program is worth $300,000 per annum to support regionally based food organisations to build a stronger regional food presence in SA. The Country Cabinet Program is worth $150,000 per annum to support projects in communities that host country cabinet meetings over the next four years. I am also pleased to announce that expressions of interest for two of the programs—that is, the Regional Food Initiatives Program and the Small Grants Program—are now invited for proposals that can demonstrate direct benefits to the regions. Expressions of interest are open from now until 5pm on Friday 27 June 2014. I will also make further announcements on the other regional development programs at a later date. To the members here and to you, Mr Speaker, I want these funds to be used for proposals that are jobs and investment-driven. I encourage individuals and groups from across regional South Australia, including local government, Regional Development Australia bodies, private enterprise, community groups and the wider community to take advantage of the increased funding on offer. The guidelines and assessment criteria and 'how to apply' information for the enhanced Regional Development Fund are available on the PIRSA website.