Regional Development Australia Fund

The Australian Government allocated almost $1 billion to the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) to support the infrastructure needs and economic growth of Australia’s regions. The national program was designed to leverage Commonwealth, State, Local, private and not-for-profit sector investments for the long-term benefit of our communities. The following projects were funded in our region: The following projects were funded in our region:

Round 1 Successful Project

Townsville City Council was successful in receiving a grant of $4.8 million for the Magnetic Island Walkway Project – Nelly Bay to Arcadia. Gabul Way was opened on 3rd March 2013 by the Hon Simon Crean. The total cost of the project was $5.3 million.

Round 2 Successful Project

Act for Kids was successful in receiving a grant of $3.4 million for their Child and Family Centre of Excellence in Townsville. The $4.6 million development was opened on 26 May 2014.

Round 3 Successful Project

The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre was successful in receiving a grant of $500,000 for the acquisition and refurbishment of expanded flood-free premises in Ingham. The “Hub” was officially opened on 1 August 2014. The total cost of the project was $800,000. The Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council was successful in receiving a grant of $500,000 for the upgrade of the Palm Island ferry pontoon. The pontoon was opened on 16 July 2014. The total cost of the tourism infrastructure was $1.512 million.

Round 4 Successful Project

Tec-NQ was successful in receiving a grant of $2 million for the redevelopment of accommodation facilities in Townsville for out-of-town students to study at the College. The facility opened on 8 December 2015. The total cost of the project was $4.019 million.