Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program

Eligible applicants must be one of the following entities:

• a company incorporated in Australia
• an incorporated association or co-operative  
• a Local Government organisation (Committees under section 355 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) must apply via the relevant council) 
• a NSW Joint Organisation of Councils or a Regional Organisation of Councils
• a Regional Development Australia Committee 
• an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation incorporated under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006
• a Local Aboriginal Land Council
• the Lord Howe Island Board or an Unincorporated Far West Group including RDA Far West (in their capacity as service providers for eligible locations not covered by a local government entity)
• an Australian university.  

Eligible applicants must be able to provide evidence to demonstrate they:

• have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• are financially solvent and not subject to any ongoing legal proceedings
• have at least $20 million public liability insurance or are willing to secure the insurance before entering into a funding deed if the application is successful.

Projects must be located in one of the 95 regional NSW Local Government Areas (LGAs), the Unincorporated Far West region or on Lord Howe Island. (See Appendix A of the guidelines for a detailed list of eligible locations). Projects located in the Sydney metropolitan area are ineligible. 

Projects can be located on publicly owned land or on private land where there is a clear public benefit. If the applicant is not the owner of the land (or infrastructure) where the project will be located, landowner’s consent and/or access agreements will be required as part of the application.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that the project:

• aligns with one of the Trust’s key focus areas
• aligns with one or more of the objects of the Regional Development Act 2004 as outlined within the guidelines
• has the required co-contribution, or has provided reasons why an exemption from the mandatory co-contribution is required
• will deliver regionally significant regional economic development outcomes, with regionally significant defined as improving outcomes in 2 or more LGAs. Exceptions can apply to remote and very remote areas or on a case-by-case basis. Please see Appendix A of the guidelines for a full list of remote and very remote areas.

In addition, infrastructure projects must provide the following:

• evidence that the project is investment ready demonstrated through a completed business case. The business case can be completed using either the template provided or in another format provided the necessary information is included
• all necessary project and planning approvals at the time of application, or evidence that action to secure the required approvals has commenced and that the project can be delivered within the specified timeframe. If all necessary approvals are not in place at the time an application is submitted, funding deeds for successful projects will not be established until any approvals required for the project to commence are secured. If approvals are not secured within 12 months of the applicant signing the confidentiality undertaking on the letter of conditional offer of funding, the offer may be withdrawn at the discretion of the department.

Eligible project costs include:

• construction costs for infrastructure development, expansion or upgrades that would not be considered business-as-usual activities and operations
• project management and project assurance support, including employment of project managers either directly or through outsourcing to an external organisation, up to 10% of the total eligible project costs being claimed under the grant
• contingency costs of up to 25% of the total eligible project costs being claimed under the grant to allow for any cost escalations (the total of all eligible project costs, project management and contingency costs being claimed must be within the maximum grant amount for the project type)
• the purchase of equipment that relates specifically to the delivery of the service or program
• the employment of staff or service providers to deliver the service or program only for the duration of the project.

The following applicant types are not eligible to apply:

• individuals
• sole traders
• legally binding partnerships
• trusts.

Project costs that are not eligible for funding include:

• costs that would be considered business-as-usual activities and operations
• financing costs, including interest and debt financing
• information and communications technology (ICT) related costs that are not specifically related to the project and essential to its success
• costs related to rent and utilities unless specifically related to the project for the duration of the project
• development of strategies and reports
• insurance costs (applicants must hold and maintain adequate insurance coverage for any liability arising from their participation in the project)
• depreciation of plant and equipment
• buying or upgrading equipment that is not essential to the delivery of a service or program
• retrospective project costs already incurred prior to the executed funding agreement.

Infrastructure

• Enabling infrastructure to support the delivery of regionally significant economic opportunities, for example, enabling infrastructure for small-to-medium businesses, regional housing developments, research centres, start-up hubs and e-waste recycling centres.
• Tourism infrastructure which will generate regional tourism impact, for example, major nature-based tourism infrastructure, large scale event precincts and Aboriginal cultural centres.
• Regional airport upgrades and industrial precinct developments to service regional needs.
• Investment in capital works programs for existing businesses to generate employment growth.

Services and Programs

• Initiatives to support the attraction and retention of key workers into regional NSW.
• Tailored workforce skills development programs to support new and emerging industries including Aboriginal enterprises.
• Employment of a hub coordinator to coordinate the provision of community and health outreach services in rural and remote areas.

Applications must include a cash co-contribution, with the exception of Aboriginal-owned organisations that can provide some or all of the required co-contribution in-kind. Co-contributions may include confirmed funding from the Australian Government. Funding received from the NSW Government cannot be included as part of the co-contribution requirement.

Required cash co-contribution

For-profit entities

A minimum of 50% of the requested funding

All other applicants

A minimum of 20% of the requested funding

Aboriginal-owned organisations

A minimum of 20% of the requested funding either in cash or in-kind.

Evidence of the co-contribution and applicant entity type must be provided as part of the application.

Aboriginal-owned organisations are defined as having a minimum of 50% Aboriginal ownership that can be demonstrated through recognition from an appropriate organisation such as:

• NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce
• Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations
• Supply Nation.

Aboriginal-owned organisations can also choose to provide a statutory declaration to demonstrate a minimum of 50% Aboriginal ownership.

Requests for an exemption from the mandatory co-contribution requirement may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Applicants wishing to claim an exemption will be required to provide details of their request as part of the application process.  

Compliance with the Regional Development Act 2004 (the Act).

Funding will only be provided for a purpose that is consistent with one or more objects of the Act:

(a) to promote economic and employment growth in regions in accordance with the principles of ecologically sustainable development

(b) to support sustainable economies a healthy environment and resilient communities in regions

(c) to support place-based solutions, targeted to the development problems of particular locations and developed in collaboration with the local community, that promote improved economic, environmental and social outcomes in regions

(d) to assist communities in regions to capitalise on regional strengths by supporting the diversification, adaptation and resilience of regional economies, including in relation to established and emerging primary and other industries

(e) to support the transition of communities affected by economic, environmental and social change

(f) to facilitate the economic and social development of Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal enterprises in regions

(g) to encourage cooperation in relation to the matters in paragraphs (a)–(f) among all tiers of government, including local government, the private sector and          not-for-profit organisations.

Project feasibility

Projects that are assessed as eligible will be assessed to ensure the project is feasible and able to be delivered. Project feasibility will be assessed against the following criteria:

• provision of a realistic project budget with quotes, and/or detailed cost estimates
• provision of a detailed and realistic project management plan demonstrating the project can be completed in the required timeframe
• provision of a feasible and sustainable proposed operating model
• demonstrated project management experience and capacity (or ability access the necessary expertise and support) to deliver the project
• provision of a detailed risk management plan with risk mitigation strategies.