Regional Development Fund

Mr HUGHES (Giles) (14:41): My question is to the Minister for Regional Development. Can the minister inform the house about the number of expressions of interest received for two programs under the enhanced Regional Development Fund and further opportunities that will follow?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Frome—Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Local Government) (14:41): I thank the member for Giles for his question and acknowledge his—like mine—great passion for the regions. As part of my agreement with the Premier, the government has committed to a range of initiatives, including a $13.4 million increase to the Regional Development Fund, bringing it to a total of $15 million per annum.

The Regional Development Fund will deliver greater support for projects that provide better infrastructure, that drive economic growth, that create jobs and that leverage increased investment in regional South Australia.

Expressions of interest for funding from two of the RDF programs—the Regional Food Initiatives Program and the Small Grants Program—opened in early June 2014 and closed last Friday. Under the Regional Foods Initiatives Program, $300,000 is available this year to support regionally-based food organisations to build a stronger regional food presence in our state.

I am advised that the response to the call for funding has been very enthusiastic, with in excess of 30 expressions of interest having been received, which will have a total project value of approximately $3.7 million. Under the RDF’s Small Grants Program, $3 million is available this year to support new regional employment and investment opportunities linked with state government priorities. I am advised that this program too has generated enthusiasm in our regions, with more than 100 expressions of interest having been received, with a total project value of approximately $57 million.

Yesterday I opened the RDF’s Major Projects Program ($8.55 million), which supports major economic projects designed to strengthen regional industries and support local economies and opportunities through investment in strategic projects, and also the Community Infrastructure Program ($3 million per annum) that will encourage investment in regional communities to develop economic infrastructure and grow their capabilities as a foundation for future jobs and economic growth. The expressions of interest for these programs close on 18 July and 1 August 2014 respectively.

Like the first two Regional Development Fund programs, I expect the government will get an extremely positive response from our regions, which is in accord with the optimistic and innovative outlook that I have observed during my extensive regional visits as the Minister for Regional Development.

Expressions of interest have already been received under the additional two programs that I announced yesterday. I look forward to seeing the benefits of the government’s enhanced Regional Development Fund beginning to flow to our regions to create employment opportunities.