The Federal Government has released its guidelines for the $6 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund, which it says will unlock investment in communities dealing with the impact of the mining boom.

 

The multi-billion fund is derived from the proceeds of the Federal Government’s Minerals Resource Rent tax and will pay for major road, rail, ports and other economic infrastructure that supports growth.

 

Making the announcement at Rockhampton earlier this week, Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the spending formed a major part of the ‘spreading the benefits of the boom’ initiative.

 

“The release of these guidelines today means that all communities - state and local governments and other stakeholders - will now be able to submit detailed proposals to Infrastructure Australia for assessment.”

 

Infrastructure Australia will be charged with advising the Federal Government on how best to allocate funding over nine years.

 

The plan will bring together Federal, State and Local governments, to work with the resources and agriculture sectors and other industries and relevant stakeholders from Gladstone, Rockhampton and Mackay, as well as mining communities across the Bowen and Galilee Basins and the region.

 

The RIF guidelines are available at:www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure/rifp/index.aspx