Participants will:• learn the principles of Queensland Governmentprocurement policies and processes, including sustainableprocurement• learn how to complete complex offer/tender documentsused by departments and agencies for high value, difficulttosecure goods and services• learn how to interpret and respond to the standard termsand conditions contained in complex Government offerand tender documents• understand how to search Government purchasers’requirements for:• value and range of products and services they sourcelocally• notification procedures used• prerequisites in being an eligible supplier.

Please click here to find out more information

The projects selected to proceed to full application for the Sunshine Coast are:

• Sunshine Coast Council – Sunshine Coast Aerospace Precinct
• Kawana Surf Life Saving Club Refurbishment
• Sundale Garden Village – Social Support & Functional Independence Community Centre

Prof Max Standage, Chair RDA Sunshine Coast said the announcement of the projects going to full application provides an opportunity to further demonstrate how the project will meet the needs of the region.

“The quality of the projects received in our region was very high, making it a difficult choice.

“The ones chosen all took into the account the priorities of the RDA Sunshine Coast Regional Roadmap and have the capacity to address the needs of the region.

“The projects have a strong level of community support and will have a positive long-term impact on our region and neighbouring regions and are ready to proceed.” Prof Standage said.

The list of projects selected across the RDA network that are proceeding to full application are available at www.regional.gov.au

The closing date for full applications is February 15, 2012.  The Department of Regional Australia will assess all applications to ensure compliance with the Guidelines.

Eligible applications will then be assessed by an Independent Advisory Panel and funded projects will be announced mid-year.

The RDAF is worth almost $1 billion over five years and is designed to boost economic and community development.

It is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to regional Australia. More information on RDAF can be found at www.regional.gov.au

More information on RDAF can be found at www.regional.gov.au

A full list of all EOIs is available. Please Click Here to view.

For questions relating to the application and assessment process please contact Russell Mason from RDA Sunshine Coast

For any additional information email rdaf@regional.gov.au

The $800 million Clean Technology Investment Program and the $200 million Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program will provide grants to help manufacturing businesses to invest in energy efficient capital equipment and low emissions technologies, processes and products. These Programs are expected to be open to applications in early 2012.

The $200 million Clean Technology Innovation Program will provide grants to support business investment in R&D, proof of concept and early stage commercialisation activities that lead to the development of new clean technologies and associated services. This Program is expected to be open for applications in mid 2012.

Register for information with AusIndustry by phone, 13 28 24 or email, hotline@ausindustry.gov.au    www.innovation.gov.au

USC was one of three Queensland universities to receive government funding to boost higher education in regional centres and support partnerships with TAFE to create a more integrated tertiary sector.

Prof. Standage said the grant would provide a significant contribution to the Sunshine Coast economy through the construction of new facilities and delivery of streamlined higher education programs.

“Maximising education and training opportunities is a key priority identified in RDA Sunshine Coast’s 2011 Regional Roadmap. This grant will allow the University to partner with key players to bring new education and training resources to the Coast,” he said.

The funding will go towards a $33 million Collaborative Futures Project between the University, the Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE and the Wide Bay Institute of TAFE (WBIT). It will help fund construction of a new $24 million building at USC’s Sippy Downs campus and another at the WBIT’s campus in Gympie, valued at $4 million.

“These new facilities will deliver both TAFE and university programs and support our future workforce by providing people with opportunities to gain multiple and higher level skills and qualifications,” said Prof. Standage.

He said the funding demonstrated the government’s commitment to the expansion of higher education in regional Queensland.

The grant, delivered by the Australian Government’s Structural Adjustment Fund, was introduced this year to allow fairer competition between universities in a deregulated higher education environment from 2012.

Employment, Skills and Mining Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, who announced the recipients last week, said the University of the Sunshine Coast, Central Queensland University and the University of Southern Queensland would receive more than $145 million for a range of projects.

Maleny Community Centre supporters have celebrated their successful grant application to complete building renovations following a $1.65 million boost under Round One of the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Fund.

RDA Sunshine Coast Deputy Chair Mr Malcolm Graham OAM unveiled a commemorative plaque on Monday night, marking the start of stage two refurbishment plans.

Maleny Community Centre RDA Fund Plaque

The funding will contribute towards the Centre’s $1.72 million Social Enterprise Capacity Building Renovation to service the town’s ongoing cultural and social needs.

Refurbishment plans include a concert-ready modern main hall, installation of solar power and water tanks plus modern performance technology with broadband internet access. It will also create several rentable retail spaces to guarantee the centre’s financial sustainability.

A $580,000 upgrade was completed in 2010, including the replacement of asbestos walls, substantial upgrade of the rear of the building and provision of a main stage “green” room.

Mr Graham said the centre’s expanded facilities would foster new community and social enterprises in areas such as events management, performing and visual arts, cultural tourism and hospitality.

“This project will provide employment opportunities to local musicians, writers, actors, sound engineers, designers and printers.”

Maleny Community Centre President Heather Spring said the centre hosted more than 1000 events and activities in the past year.

“We have been turning away a minimum of two booking a week due to inadequate facilities, poor access and lack of spaces. These improvements will bring new events and functions to the region and benefit local businesses,” she said.

Photo: Councillor Jenny McKay, RDA Sunshine Coast Deputy Chair Malcolm Graham OAM, Maleny Community Centre President Heather Spring and State Member for Glass House Andrew Powell MP at Monday night’s plaque presentation.

“The project will make Maleny Community Centre Inc financially self-sustaining and ensure there are no future funding requests to Sunshine Coast Council.”

Maleny Community Centre was one of seven Queensland projects to be funded in Round One of the RDA Fund program.

Mr Graham said the Fund supported regional projects, including economic, social or community infrastructure which expanded the development and growth of regional economies.

The Australian Government’s RDA Fund provides $1 billion over five years to support regional development initiatives through councils and not-for-profit organisations.

Mr Mulherin was speaking at a statewide forum of Queensland’s 12 Regional Development Australia (RDA) Committees in Brisbane.

“Today I’m pleased to announce the appointment of four new Regional Development Australia Chairs, who will lead and advocate for their respective communities in regional Queensland,” Mr Mulherin said.

“Professor Max Standage has been appointed as Chair of RDA Sunshine Coast and Mr Jamie Quinn Chair of RDA Ipswich and West Moreton.

“Professor Standage is currently Provost at the Gold Coast and Logan Campuses of Griffith University and until recently served as Chair of RDA Logan and Redlands.

“Mr Quinn is the managing director of Jamie Quinn Consulting, a Senior Associate of Eidos Institute and a director of the South East Queensland Water Grid Manager.

“The existing Chairs of RDA Wide Bay Burnett and RDA Brisbane City, Mr Grant Maclean and Mr John Shepley have also been re-appointed for a second term in their respective committees.

Mr Mulherin challenged new committee chairs to continue the excellent work already undertaken in their regions and capitalise on the influence of the Queensland RDA initiative to make a difference in their regions.

“RDA Committees provide advice to government on regional Queensland, including articulating local priorities, engaging with their communities and promoting regional solutions,” he said.

“Today’s state-wide forum will consider how RDAs can influence regional development outcomes in Queensland and will examine ways for RDAs to get involved with Queensland Government initiatives.

“The massive developments in the resources sector offer huge opportunities for regional Queensland.

“These opportunities come hand in hand with great challenges which will need to be met.”

“Challenges which will be addressed at this forum include managing workforces and regional infrastructure,” he said.

Mr Mulherin said the forum provided RDAs with the opportunity to come together to learn from one another and gain ideas on how to influence outcomes in their region.

“The two-day event is the second statewide forum and the first since the Queensland Government reinvigorated its approach to the RDA program earlier this year by committing an additional $240,000 in funding to progress regional priorities.”

Remaining RDA committee appointments are expected to be finalised by December 2011.

Chair of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sunshine Coast Professor Max Standage said the aim of the workshop was to give potential applicants a better understanding of the grant application process.

Launched earlier this month, Round Two of the RDAF provides a further $200 million to support priority projects in regional Australia. It supports regional development initiatives through councils and not-for-profit organizations and provides up to $15 million of funding per project.

“Interested groups are invited to attend the information session to learn more about these changes and how to best prepare their Expression of Interest (EOIs) for the grant,” said Professor Standage.

As a result of changes to Round Two, RDA committees will review EOIs from potential applicants and select three viable priority projects from their region to progress to full application.

Prof Standage said local applications would be guided by community needs as identified in the Sunshine Coast Regional Roadmap.

“The RDA Sunshine Coast committee will take into account the capacity of the project to address regional needs, its impact on the region and readiness to proceed,” he said.

“The RDA Fund provides a much needed financial boost to regions such as ours, and RDA Sunshine Coast is uniquely placed to review viable projects that align with our regional priorities and plans.”

More information including the Round Two Guidelines, key dates and full details on the EOI process can be found at www.regional.gov.au.

The RDAF is worth almost $1 billion over five years (some of which is subject to the passage of the Minerals Resource Rent Tax) and is designed to boost economic and community development as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to regional Australia.

The information session will be held at the Sunshine Coast TAFE Mooloolaba Campus on Friday 18 November 2011 from 3pm-4pm.

The RDAF is worth almost $1 billion over five years (some of which is subject to the passage of the Minerals Resource Rent Tax) and is designed to boost economic and community development as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to regional Australia.

More information including the Round Two Guidelines, key dates and full details on the EOI process can be found at www.regional.gov.au. Applicants can ask questions relating to the application and assessment process by emailing rdaf@regional.gov.au.

To register for the RDAF Round 2 information session being held at the Sunshine Coast TAFE, 34 Lady Musgrave Drive, Mountain Creek at 3PM please go CLICK HERE

Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees such as RDA Sunshine Coast have a key role to play in shaping regional infrastructure investment to meet regional needs during Round Two of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF).

Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, Simon Crean this week announced of Round Two of the fund, worth $200 million.

Key aspects of Round Two are: a two stage application process that will reduce costs for applicants; embed local decision making, and provide early certainty for project proponents about funding for their project.

As part of this new role, RDA committees will review Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from all potential applicants and select three viable priority projects from their region to progress to full application.

Professor Max Standage, Chair of RDA Sunshine Coast said that RDA committees are uniquely placed to review viable projects that align with their regional priorities and plans.

“RDA committees are jointly appointed by the Commonwealth and State Government and are also closely in touch with local communities.

“We welcome the opportunity to having a stronger voice and contribute directly to the Government’s regional focus ”.

The new process for RDAF Round Two is as follows:

• Eligible applicants are required to submit one EOI form for a single project, to their RDA committee by Thursday, 1 December 2011. The form is available from the Department’s website.

• RDA committees will review each EOI and select three viable priority projects from their region to proceed to full application.

• Full applications will be assessed by the Department of Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government against the eligibility and selection criteria, risk, and value for money.

• Applications will be considered by the RDAF Advisory Panel which will provide advice to the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Simon Crean MP.  The Minister will make decisions on projects to be funded.

In prioritising our three viable priority projects, the Minister has asked RDA committees to take into account the priorities of our Regional Roadmap, the capacity of the project to address needs in the region, the level of community support for the project, impact of the project on the region and neighbouring regions, and readiness to proceed.

The RDAF is worth almost $1 billion over five years (some of which is subject to the passage of the Minerals Resource Rent Tax) and is designed to boost economic and community development as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to regional Australia.

More information including the Round Two Guidelines, key dates and full details on the EOI process can be found at www.regional.gov.au. Applicants can ask questions relating to the application and assessment process by emailing rdaf@regional.gov.au.

-  ENDS -

Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast welcomes Professor Max Standage as its newly appointed Chair.

Prof. Standage, who was Chair of RDA Logan and Redlands since 2009, has held several senior management and leadership positions at Griffith University as a Dean, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Provost with responsibilities for the Health and Science Academic Groups, and the Quality and Community Partnership portfolios.

Iqbal Singh, Prof Max Standage, Michelle Hamer and Russell Mason

Prof. Standage has particular interests in strategic planning of university campuses, commercialisation of university research, knowledge precincts, the development of knowledge intensive industries and the role of universities in community engagement and social inclusion.

He has led a number of new initiatives including the establishment of the Logan and Gold Coast campuses and the initial planning for the Griffith Medical, Dental and Oral Health, and Pharmacy Schools.

Prof. Standage said his roles as Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Provost had required close engagement with development and planning issues, extensive interactions with government agencies and community partnerships.

Prof. Standage has been actively involved in numerous advisory and board roles including:

• Director, Gold Coast Innovation Centre since 2007
• Member of REDAB/Gold Coast Business Advisory Council since 2004
• Director, Logan Economic Development Board, 2006 – 2008
• Director, CRC Water Quality, 2002 – 2006
• Director, Distributed Systems CRC, 2003 – 2006
• Director, Queensland Cyber Infrastructure Foundation Ltd, 1998 – 2006

Prof. Standage said that he was greatly excited by the prospect of working with the RDA Sunshine Coast Committee, community leaders and the wider community towards achieving greater recognition by the Federal and State governments of the infrastructure, economic and social development issues that will advance the wellbeing and prosperity of the Sunshine Coast.

He was the first Griffith University staff member of an Australian Research Committee discipline panel, the Physical Sciences Panel (1992-1994), and the Chair of the Instrumentation and Scientific Instruments Priority Panel (1993-1994).

RDA Sunshine Coast provides strategic and targeted responses to local issues. It facilitates regional leadership and resilience by building partnerships between governments, regional development organisations, the private sector and regional stakeholders.

RDA Sunshine Coast is a not-for-profit community organisation led by local government, business and community leaders. Committee members are all volunteers and have been ministerially appointed.

-  ENDS -

Opening the newest RDAF round, Mr Crean said the Gillard Labor Government would continue to work in close partnership with local communities to drive growth and development across Australia’s regions.

“With our economy in transition, the Australian Government is engaging the regions to identify new opportunities to diversify and strengthen their economic base,” Mr Crean said

“Thats why we have already allocated $150 million to 35 projects in Round One of the RDAF program and why we are now opening applications for Round Two and increasing the amount of available funding to $200 million.

“I asked the Chair of the Independent Advisory Panel, Christian Zahra, to help review Round One so we could better focus local input by strengthening the role of Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees in identifying priority needs and projects.

“After receiving constructive feedback from local government, not-for-profits and RDA committees, we have revised and refined the guidelines to encourage stronger, investment-ready applications that have a clear regional benefit.

“For the RDAF to work effectively, proposals must stack up we want well-researched strategic applications that set clear priorities and leverage funds or partnerships investment from local, state government or the private sector.”

Mr Crean said the RDAF application process had been revised to give RDA committees a greater role and to help local communities meet the guidelines and better prioritise their projects.

“Federal Labor is committed to embedding localism as a new factor in the way we govern this country,” he said.

For this to happen we need the regions and all three levels of government working together, effectively and efficiently, to ensure that all of the patches in our patchwork economy contribute to and share the benefits of growth.

“There can be future rounds of RDAF, but they are contingent the passing of the Mineral Resource Rent Tax (MRRT) through the Parliament another test of the Federal Oppositions commitment to regional Australia.”

The RDAF Round Two guidelines and fact sheets can be found at http://www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au/rda-fund-application