Simon Crean (Hotham, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government) Share this | Hansard source

The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

(1) The Priority Regional Infrastructure Program (PRIP) and the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) have been incorporated into the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF). Around $1 billion in funding will be allocated, comprising $450 million from the PRIP and up to $573 million from the RIF, subject to the passage of the Mineral Resource Rent Tax. $350 million from the PRIP has been reprioritised to support reconstruction in disaster areas.

(2) Up to $100 million in Commonwealth funds will be allocated under Round One, which closes on 13 May 2011, with further rounds to be announced.

(3) The RDAF is a competitive grants program and projects will be considered in the context of the eligibility and selection criteria as specified in the guidelines.

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