1. www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au National Stronger Regions Fund An overview for prospective applicants Russell Mason, CEO Max Standage, Chairman Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sunshine Coast October 2014

2. Today’s presentation National Stronger Regions Fund overview Objective and outcomes Key points to note Eligibility – who and what Assessment criteria Role of RDA Sunshine Coast RDA Sunshine Coast Regional Roadmap priorities Key dates How to apply www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au

3. National Stronger Regions Fund (NSRF) Overview $1 billion Commonwealth Government program $200 million a year over 5 years to fund priority infrastructure in local communities that promote economic development in Australia’s regions – Investing in crucial infrastructure projects that deliver economic and social benefits Encouraging strong partnerships with the private sector and local and state governments www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au

4. NSRF Objective & Outcomes NSRF Objective - to fund investment ready projects which support economic growth and sustainability of regions across Australia, particularly disadvantaged regions, by supporting investment in priority infrastructure. Desired outcomes of the NSRF are: Improved level of economic activity in regions Increased productivity in the regions Increased employment and a better skilled workforce Increased capacity and improved capability for regions to deliver major projects, and to secure and manage investment funding Improved partnerships between local, state and territory governments, the private sector and community groups More stable and viable communities, where people choose to live www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au

5. Key points $200 million funding per year for 5 years Competitive grants program Local Govt and incorporated NFPs are eligible to apply for grants of between $20,000 and $10 million Grant funding must be matched in cash on at least a dollar for dollar basis Projects must be for ‘investment ready’ capital projects and support economic growth and sustainability, particularly in disadvantaged regions Applications are submitted on line from an online portal http://gms.infrastructure.gov.au/Ul and supporting docs are uploaded as with the application http://gms.infrastructure.gov.au/Ul Round One deadline for applications is 5pm local time, 28 November 2014 Round Two will open on 1 May 2015 and close 31 July 2015 Applications to be appraised by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development who will make recommendations to a Ministerial Panel www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au

6. Eligibility – Who? Eligible Organisations Local councils Not-for-profit organisations (not owned by a Local, State or Territory Gov) Other organisations can participate where they are a member of a consortium led by an eligible applicant Ineligible Organisations XState and Northern Territory governments XState and Territory owned corporations and NFPs XUniversities, TAFE, schools and hospitals XRDA committees XFor profit organisations www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au

7. Eligibility – What? Eligible Projects Investment-ready projects which involve the construction of new infrastructure, or the upgrade, extension or enhancement of existing infrastructure Grant of at least $20,000 and up to $10M Co-funding in cash on at least $1 for $1 Economic benefit must be delivered to the region beyond the period of construction Completed by 31 December 2019 Ineligible Projects are those that xDo not deliver sustainable economic benefits xAre eligible for funding under the National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) xSeek to shift costs from State or Local Gov to the Commonwealth; and/or xAre integral elements of hospitals (which are funded by other Gov initiatives) www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au

8. Assessment Criteria – Economic Growth Criterion 1: the extent to which the Project/Sub-Project contributes to economic growth in the region (50% weighting) More efficient use of resources Increases in productivity or capacity Creation of direct and indirect employment (beyond construction) Increases to exports and/or import replacement Increases in industry economic competitiveness More efficient supply chains Diversification of the industrial base and local businesses Increases to local capability to access funding and deliver projects www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au

9. Assessment Criteria – Addresses disadvantage Criterion 2: Demonstrate the extent to which the Project/Sub- Project supports or addresses disadvantage in a region (16.66% weighting) Using indexes such as the Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Use data such as Unemployment data, average income data, average weekly earnings, number of welfare recipients, number of single income families etc… (Use data available on sources such as http://profile.id.com.au/ or http://statistics.oesr.qld.gov.au/ or http://www.abs.gov.au/ http://profile.id.com.au/http://statistics.oesr.qld.gov.au/ http://www.abs.gov.au/ Significant population change – Both increases and decreases www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au

10. Assessment Criteria - Partnerships Criterion 3: the extent to which the Project/Sub-Project increases investment and builds partnerships in the region (16.66% weighting) Partner contributions Number of significant partners (do not have to be eligible organisations) In-kind support for the project www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au

11. Assessment Criteria – Viability and sustainability Criterion 4: the extent to which the Project/Sub-Project and Applicant are viable and sustainable (16.66% weighting) The applications financial position Quality of supporting documentation Whether all appropriate planning, building, zoning, environmental and other approvals are in place or will be in place within 6 months of the project agreement being signed Is the project ‘Investment Ready’ – That is will it be ready to start construction within 12 months of signing the finding agreement The Applicant’s history in managing grant funding Any and all risks www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au

12. Role of RDA Sunshine Coast Promoting the NSRF and helping to identify potential infrastructure projects that contribute to long term economic growth Identification of regional priorities Bring parties together with respect to projects Assisting proponents with applications www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au

13. RDA Sunshine Coast Regional Roadmap Priorities Economic Development Health and wellbeing Agribusiness Regional Economic Development Strategy Investment in Infrastructure Transport infrastructure (Broadband, road, rail and airport(s).) Digital Innovation Digital Sunshine Coast Human Capital Skilled workforce and youth employment Sustainable Communities www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au

14. Key dates NSRF Announced 1 October 2014 NSRF Guidelines Published 1 October 2014 Round One Applications Open 1 October 2014 Round One Applications Close 5pm 28 November 2014 Round One Application Assessment Completed 31 March 2015 Announcements of Round One Projects to be funded May 2015 Round Two Applications Open 1 May 2015 Round Two Applications Close 31 July 2015 Round Two Application Assessment Completed 31 October 2015 Announcement of Round Two Projects to be fundedDecember 2015 www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au

15. How to apply Via the online application form at http://gms.infrastructure.gov.au/UI along with supporting documents (up to 20) to be uploaded (page 9 of the guidelines) http://gms.infrastructure.gov.au/UI Guidelines, Frequently Asked Questions, Sample Application Form on the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s website – www.infrastructure.gov.au/nsrfwww.infrastructure.gov.au/nsrf Questions can be emailed to nsrf@infrastructure.gov.aunsrf@infrastructure.gov.au www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au

16. Contact details Russell Mason CEO, RDA Sunshine Coast Mob: (07) 5475 9717 Email: russell@rdasunshinecoast.org.aurussell@rdasunshinecoast.org.au Questions / Discussion This presentation is intended as an overview only – for the full guidelines visit www.infrastructure.gov.auwww.infrastructure.gov.au www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au