|
The Far North East New South Wales (FNE NSW) Sustainable Regions Advisory Committee is calling for expressions of interest from community based organisations, the private sector and local government bodies for projects with substantial regional significance.
Formally inviting submissions today, Mr Geoff Provest, Chair of the Advisory Committee said that from the $100 million Commonwealth Sustainable Regions Program, up the $12 million is available to the FNE NSW region over the next three years.
"There has already been an excellent commitment from the community to work toward a strong, sustainable future for the region, including the development of a set of priorities in consultation with the community through a series of forums in Ballina, Lismore and Murwillumbah last week. The forums' 250 participants provided the Committee with valuable input into the region's priority needs," said Mr Provest.
"The priorities include matters relating to business and community development, the environment, knowledge and learning, creative and cultural issues, existing and new industries, population growth and infrastructure.
"Feedback from the community suggested that the creation of local employment (including youth and indigenous employment) and proposals that impact positively on the environment are high on the region's agenda. The need to work as a region was also seen as an important factore, as wat the recofnition that individual sectors of the economy do not work in isolation from one-another."
All expressions of interest will be assessed by the Advisory Committee, against a set of selection criteria including the regions' agreed priorities. Proponents of proposals that are assessed as most likely to strengthen the sustainable development of the region will be invited to submit full project applications. The Advisory Committee will then competitively assess the formal applications and make recommendations to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, John Anderson, for final funding approvals.
"While all projects will be considered on their merits, project proposals should address at least one of the regions' identified priority issues," said Mr Provest.
"We are seeking proposals that have strong regional involvement. There is the opportunity for local organisations, community groups and local government to work in partnership with the Commonwealth Government to ensure the sustainable future of the FNE NSW region."
Expression of interest form and guidelines, and Project Assessment Criteria, can be obtained from the Advisory Committee's Executive Officer.
The closing date for Expressions of interest is 5 July, 2002.
Media Contact:
Ruth Povall - (07) 5569 3156 - (07) 5536 9386 (fax) - rpovall@tweed.nsw.gov.au
Advisory Committee's Executive Officer
|
