It’s this big: Simon Crean spruiks his regional development fund in Torquay.
ERIN PEARSON
A $1 billion federal fund could help the region’s coastal areas combat climate change, according to Regional Development Minister Simon Crean.
Mr Crean visited Torquay this week to attend a Coastal Councils Conference at The Sands golf resort with around 200 delegates from around Australia.
He used the conference of council and community representatives to spruik the Federal Government’s Regional Development Australia Fund.
He told the conference he wanted a “better vision” for regional Australia and suggested the fund could help address issues related to coastal erosion, climate change and developing sustainable industries.
“The funds are for projects that help skill Australia, lift productivity, maximise the opportunity of broadband, sustain our environment, promote social inclusion and improve water and energy efficiency,” Mr Crean said.
“The allocation of this funding will be competitive, merit-based,” Mr Crean said.
Applications to the first round of the fund for grants up to $100 million close on May 13.
Organisers said the annual National Sea Change Taskforce conference brought together local government authorities, policy makers and researchers to discuss key regional development issues facing coastal communities.
