Funding Opportunity Alert: Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program (RJED)
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ALERT: Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program (RJED)
Peak's Consulting Services Grant Office team welcome the announcement of the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program (RJED).
The Federal Government has committed $707 million to deliver this program, which aims to build strong and sustainable job markets that align with community needs across remote Australian communities.
FUNDING ROUNDS
Round 1 of the RJED Program is NOW OPEN, with up to $26.5 million (GST Exclusive) available in the 2024-2025 financial year to fund approximately 378 jobs. Round 1 applications close 3 February 2025 at 2:00pm AEDT.
Round 2 of the RJED Program opens 4 February 2025 with up to $17.6 million to be made available to fund approximately 252 jobs. Round 2 applications close 31 March 2025 at 2.00PM AEDT.
FUNDING STREAMS
Grant funding will be available under two streams:
Stream 1: Job Creation stream
To fund the cost of wages and related entitlements to provide people in remote communities with more jobs that offer fair pay and conditions.
The amount of grant funding will be determined by the wages and entitlements as applicable under the relevant award or minimum wage. There is no limit on the number of jobs that a single applicant can apply for. You can apply for different job types, pay levels, and even industries in one application.
Stream 2: Community Jobs and Business Fund (CJBF)
To provide funding for wrap-around support, equipment, operational costs and infrastructure to directly support bringing jobs created under the Job Creation stream into existence. The Agency will only consider CJBF funding applications where funding has also been applied for under the Job Creation stream.
- Includes minor refurbishment or modification of existing facilities for benefit of RJED employees (up to $500,000).
- Lease or purchase of equipment and materials needed by RJED employees to do their jobs (up to $300,000) e.g. Technical and specialist equipment, such as screen printing, or earth moving machinery.
- Materials and consumables to support RJED employees entering and staying in employment (up to $300,000) e.g. wrap-around support for employees, such as mentoring or literacy support.
- Capacity and capability building for organisations (up to $350,000) for costs such as workforce planning, payroll software, or supervisor/trainer wages.
- Employee programs and services designed to reduce barriers to entering and staying in employment (up to $200,000) such as creche services, transport, or meals.
NOTE: You can apply for funding in both RJED grant Round 1 and 2. Funding will be available for up to 3 years.
NEXT STEPS
Consider the new jobs you want to create including:
- The need/demand of the service within the location you intend to deliver.
- The ongoing potential of the roles you are looking to create.
- Consider the skill level and type of employee/s you are wanting to take on - for example, is the position best suited to skilled workers, youth trainees/apprentices, or adult trainees/apprentices.
- Consider what supports the job/employee will need to make the role successful and any costs associated with the induction and management of the employee that are not already part of the award, i.e. training and oncosts.
There is opportunity to apply for more substantive items to support the employee and the success of the role, such as plant and equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), business support, work health and safety (WHS) modifications/adjustments, or larger capital items.
This funding is a critical opportunity for eligible councils and remote communities to stimulate economic and community growth through job and workforce development. The NIAA proposes to run a competitive grant process for potential employers across all Community Development Program (CDP) regions.
Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program
Read about funding successes for Queensland Communities
Peak has a broad range of technical and advisory specialists ready to help you and your staff develop compelling project funding proposals. Peak’s team can advise on project development to assist with all aspects of preparing grant applications and project documentation. We have a team of experts including economists, project planners and highly skilled grant and business case writers who have experience across a breadth of industries and project types.
Contact us to get your Round 1 application underway
Round 1 applications close 3 February 2025
Our team of experts are ready to assist your council in developing competitive project proposals to maximise your chances of success. Contact us today to get started on your application or to discuss potential projects (grants@wearepeak.com.au)