A new fact sheet is available to help food and beverage manufacturers identify eligible projects for the Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Programwhich provides grants for investments in energy efficient capital equipment and low emissions technologies, processes and products.

Eligible projects must relate to improving the energy efficiency or carbon emissions intensity of the applicant’s manufacturing process. Click here for a copyof the fact sheet.

The Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program is a central element of the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Future plan announced in July 2011. The $200 million grants program providessupport to Australian food and foundry manufacturers to maintain competitiveness in a carbon constrained economy.

For more information about the Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program, click here.

If you have any enquiries about the Program, contact the AusIndustry Hotline on 13 28 46 or emailhotline@ausindustry.gov.au 

The national Regional Development Australia (RDA) website has been redeveloped with a number of new features to make it easier for you to learn more about RDA.

The national RDA network consists of 55 committees across every region of Australia. The network is made up of local leaders who work with all levels of government, business and community groups to support the development of their regions.

By using the new ‘Find my RDA’ tool on www.rda.gov.au you can easily find the details of the RDA committees in your area.

The new website also allows you to see RDA events happening in your region, and sort news by region or topic.

To find out more about the RDA network and start exploring the new website, visitwww.rda.gov.au.  

Former Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett will kick off the 2012 Sunshine Coast Business Expo as keynote speaker for the opening breakfast on Thursday, 10 May.

Mr Bartlett will discuss the implications of high speed broadband and its impact on the way Sunshine Coast businesses create wealth, communicate with customers and solve problems.

The two-day expo features a comprehensive program of keynote presentations, workshops, seminars, exhibitions and networking opportunities.

Entry to the exhibition hall is free, with about 60 trade exhibitors showcasing a diverse range of industries.

Tickets to keynote presentations or workshops are available online, including full-day and two-day passes. For ticket details, click here.

Other keynote speakers include:

• Media editor, businesswoman and best-selling author Ita Buttrose will share her experiences on how to make the most of life’s opportunities and succeed beyond expectations at Thursday’s lunch.
• A mystery guest at the Chamber Alliance networking breakfast on the Friday morning.
• Former Australian Wallabies rugby captain John Eales talks leadership at Friday’s lunch.

There are a variety of 45-minute workshops on offer on both days, covering business success, customer service, social media, the Sunshine Coast Airport expansion, legislation updates and mining industry opportunities. The Sunshine Coast Business Expo is presented by Signature Events, part of the Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce.

When:  Thursday 10 May and Friday 11 May, 2012 Where: Mooloolaba campus of the Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE Click here to view the full Program of Events

]]> http://www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au/sunshine-coast-bizexpo-2012-premier-sunshine-coast-business-event/feed/ 0 http://www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au/sunshine-coast-scheduled-for-faster-reliable-broadband-access/ http://www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au/sunshine-coast-scheduled-for-faster-reliable-broadband-access/#comments Mon, 16 Apr 2012 01:44:04 +0000 Russell http://www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au/?p=1690 Continue reading →]]> Around 39,000 homes and businesses across the Sunshine Coast will have access to faster and more reliable broadband with the phased construction of the fibre component of the National Broadband Network (NBN) due to start from December 2013.

RDA Sunshine Coast Chair Prof Max Standage said the Sunshine Coast was one of 238 regional areas included in the Australian Government’s three-year rollout plan for the NBN announced on 29 March.

“The government’s commitment to a national broadband network is a key step towards our vision for the Sunshine Coast becoming a leading edge digital economy by 2020.”

Prof Standage said support for the rollout of high speed broadband was identified as a key focus area in the Sunshine Coast Regional Roadmap released last year.

“The NBN is critical to the region’s future prosperity. Better use of the digital economy will allow Sunshine Coast businesses to compete more effectively in the local and national market places   and develop export opportunities based on the region’s unique assets and strengths. ” he said.

“RDA Sunshine Coast will work with our communities to ensure they maximise the opportunities available through the NBN rollout.”

The fibre construction areas include:

• 6200 premises in Bli Bli, Diddillibah, Marcoola, Mudjimba, Pacific Paradise and Twin Waters. Work is scheduled to start in phases between June-September 2015.
• 8900 premises in Coolum Beach, Mount Coolum, Point Arkwright and Yaroomba. Work is scheduled to start from December 2014, with the last phase starting in June 2015.
• 500 premises in Mapleton. Work is due to start from June 2014.
• 15,200 premises in Alexandra Headland, Kuluin and Maroochydore. Work is scheduled to start in phases between September-December 2014.
• 8200 premises in Burnside, Coes Creek, Highworth, Nambour, Ninderry, Valdora and Yandina. Work is scheduled to start from December 2013 with the last phase starting in March 2014.

It is estimated the NBN services will be available 12 months from the start of the scheduled work.

Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government Mr Simon Crean said the rollout would give Australian families and businesses access to essential infrastructure and faster, more reliable broadband, “so our businesses can take on the world and Australian families can access better health and education services.”

“RDAs have a critical role to play in leading their community’s take up of the enormous potential in sectors such as e-commerce, e-health and e-education.”

The NBN is Australia’s first national wholesale-only, open access communications network that that will provide high speed broadband and telephone services using fibre, fixed wireless and satellite services.

To find out about how to connect to the NBN visit www.nbnco.com.au/getting-connected/index.html

For more information visit www.nbn.gov.au

17-20 SEPTEMBER, SEBEL, CAIRNS 

DRIVING ECONOMIC LEADERSHIP IN THE ASIAN CENTURY
Leveraging local prosperity & wellbeing  – HOW ARE YOU POSITIONING YOUR REGION?

What are the global changes that are impacting on our ability to nurture local prosperity? How do we future proof our communities whilst harnessing the big opportunities that build upon our strengths, resources and assets?

How can we capitalise on the Asian market opportunities and risk manage the supply chains? What is the role of transport, freight and ports in aiding our competitiveness?
How can the new information highway foster real collaboration? How is the interplay between our key economic drivers, natural, human and economic resources impacting at a local level?
How do we nurture sustainability and community wellbeing and deliver what our diversity of residents actually want? What’s local government’s role and how can you build upon your practical and leadership skills and collaborate with change agents?

International Opportunities & Investment
Innovation & Sustainability
Productivity & Competitiveness

The event offers a strategic opportunity for the Economic Development profession to hear from international and community leaders, industry experts and Government policy makers. Delegates will form and foster relationships with economic developers across the Asia Pacific region to build markets, and explore mutual opportunities.
This first international conference will form the Asia Pacific think tank for those in the practise of developing and nurturing communities and economies – can you afford to miss it?
…in association with

Registrations will open in April 2012 with an early bird program to the 30th June 2012. 

For more information CLICK HERE

Upgrade work to the Maleny Community Centre is expected to start after Easter, creating up to 16 new jobs during construction and ongoing long term employment opportunities.

RDA Sunshine Coast Chair Prof Max Standage said the redevelopment was a major community infrastructure project which received a $1.6 million grant from the Australian Government’s Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF).

He said the funding would contribute towards the Centre’s $1.72 million Social Enterprise Capacity Building Renovation to service the region’s ongoing cultural and social needs.

“Maleny Community Centre is an importance cultural hub for the Sunshine Coast Hinterland area. Its expanded facilities will foster new community and social enterprises in areas such as events management, performing and visual arts, cultural tourism and hospitality.”

Redevelopment 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.

Regional Australia Minister Simon Crean said the upgrade, due to be completed in November, was expected to create sixteen jobs during construction, eight positions in the long term, and five new apprenticeships.

“The redeveloped community centre will be a focal point for local businesses and community groups across the region, and enable greater access to a range of cultural events and experiences,” Mr Crean said.

“The Regional Development Australia Fund is providing communities across Australia with vital funding to improve local community infrastructure and diversify their economic base. This RDAF project at Maleny brings together National Broadband readiness, improved water and energy efficiency and new technologies to deliver cultural and economic benefits to the region.”

Maleny Community Centre President Heather Spring said the redevelopment would allow the centre to provide a modern, performance-ready hall and community space at affordable rates for use by the people of Maleny and the surrounding region.

“The provision of new commercial spaces will also ensure the future financial sustainability of the centre .This project also includes a web-based events management system to help promote the region’s creative arts sector,” Ms Spring said.

“We cannot underestimate the boost to our community that this redevelopment will bring about. The Maleny community owns this facility and we are committed to making it a place of excellence for use by local groups, visitors and touring performances.”

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

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

Between 4-500 businesses across the Sunshine Coast participate in this survey series every six months, helping create an accurate snapshot of local business conditions and opinions. The results are regularly used by all three levels of government when planning resources and strategies for the region.

How confident are you about trading conditions going forward? What are your biggest constraints in business? Do you think the Sunshine Coast is sufficiently taking advantage of the national resources boom?

Help contribute to an overall snapshot of business conditions and opinions on the coast by clicking here www.boardroombusiness.com.au/sunshinecoast

Sunshine Coast TAFE are the naming rights sponsors for the survey which closes COB Friday 30th March, with an event to be held early May at TAFE to launch the results.  In addition to TAFE, the survey is also supported by all the major business groups across the Coast.  All participants can go in the prize draw to win a ‘Holiday at Home’ prize package from Rimini Resorts and Aussie World.

What is “Get up to Speed”?

The Get Up To Speed program is for all Queensland businesses to raise their skills and knowledge surrounding current and emerging digital technologies and digital skills. This 12 week program features a live event, webinars, elessons, an extensive resource portal, access to mentors & more.

How much does it cost?

The 12 week program costs around $250 and participants can obtain a $175 rebate when purchasing a laptop/iPad/tablet/netbook after 1^st March 2012. Full details & eligibility criteria here: http://www.getuptospeed.com.au/rebate

How do I find out more / sign up?

• Visit their website – http://www.getuptospeed.com.au/Home
• Register to attend the info evening next Tuesday 27 March at the Maroochydore Library, 44 Sixth Avenue, Cotton Tree, QLD 4558 - Reserve your place now.

Would your town benefit from being one of five in Queensland to be highlighted on a regional roadmap of arts and cultural activity in mid-2013?

What is Animating Spaces?
A state-wide project that aims to revitalise places and spaces through community-led arts activities and events. In 2013, five regional Queensland communities could receive funding and support to develop an artistic program that reflects and represents the aspirations of the community.

Expressions of Interest Sought
Artslink Queensland is seeking to build partnerships with five regional Queensland communities, which are interested in participating in this exciting opportunity.  Local Governments, arts organisations and community groups are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to partner with Artslink Queensland to host the Animating Spaces project in their community.  Participating communities will be selected by March 28 2012 and Artslink Queensland project staff will facilitate a Community Engagement Workshop in April or early May.

Animating Spaces is in Partnership Development Phase. Delivery of the 2013 project is dependent upon funding from the Australia Council for the Arts as well as financial and in-kind support from Local Government, local businesses, corporate partners and the community.

The project offers communities:
The opportunity to decide on three arts activities and locations they will activate.

• Cultural project management skills development for a part time co-ordinator including mentorship, assistance and honorarium payment.
• Funding and assistance to present workshops, exhibitions or performances

Forms can be downloaded on www.artslinkqld.com.au/animatingspaces

For more information or to request EOI forms please contact: Tim McGee (Project Co-ordinator) or Letitia Norton (Director Creative Communities) on email animatingspaces@artslinkqld.com.au ]]> http://www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au/animating-spaces-revitalising-regional-communities-through-the-arts/feed/ 0