Digital Regions Initiative

The Digital Regions Initiative is a key element of the Australian Government's initial response to the Regional Telecommunications Review in conjunction with the Rural and Regional National Broadband Network Initiative.

The four year $60 million Australian Government initiative will co-fund innovative digital enablement projects with state, territory and local governments. It is a collaborative approach to improve the delivery of education, health and/or emergency services in regional, rural and remote communities.

State, territory and local governments seeking funding under the Digital Regions Initiative will be required to provide matching funding. This will enable projects of greater scale, coverage and benefit to regional Australians.

The Digital Regions Initiative commenced in 2009 and concludes in 2013.

Draft guidelines were released for public comment, with comments closing 8 July 2009.

On 20 August 2009, Senator Conroy released the program guidelines and invited state, territory and local governments to develop projects for funding that are consistent with the aim and principles of the Digital Regions Initiative.

To coincide with the release of the guidelines, expressions of interest were called for from prospective applicants. Expressions of interest closed 14 September 2009.

Applications under Round 1 closed 14 October 2009.

On 10 December 2009, the Prime Minister announced funding for seven projects in Round 1 of the Digital Regions Initiative.

On 11 January 2010, Senator Conroy announced a further four projects to be funded in Round 1 of the Digital Regions Initiative. Assessment of Round 1 applications is now complete, with 11 successful projects to be funded.

Projects are expected to commence in early 2010 to ensure regional communities benefit as quickly as possible.

What types of projects will be funded under the Digital Regions Initiative?

The Digital Regions Initiative will co-fund digital enablement applications to improve services in the key sectors of health, education and/or emergency services in regional, rural and remote communities, as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, across Australia in partnership with state, territory and local governments.

The Digital Regions Initiative will support projects that will deliver innovative and sustainable services to:

• boost innovation in healthcare by enabling services such as remote consultation, diagnosis and treatment in areas where there are specialist skills shortages
• extend digital education services to enable more regional, rural and remote communities to access improved educational opportunities
• increase the use of digital technologies to improve emergency and disaster response both within and across state and territory borders.

Who is eligible to apply for funding?

State, territory or local governments can apply for Digital Regions Initiative funding. Private and not-for-profit organisations can partner with eligible organisations.

How will projects be selected?

The Digital Regions Initiative is a competitive funding program.

Applications will need to support improved health, education and/or emergency services in regional, rural and remote communities.

All applications will undergo a rigorous assessment process. Projects that meet the selection criteria to the highest degree will be offered the opportunity to enter into negotiations to secure funding.

How many funding rounds will there be?

There will be two funding rounds. The first round closed on 14 October 2009. It is expected that the second round of funding will commence in 2010.

Further information

Please check in regularly for upcoming announcements. For any further information, please see the Digital Regions Initiative fact sheet (PDF, 573 kb) or email digitalregions@dbcde.gov.au.

Visit the Clever Networks program page for information about existing broadband enablement projects.