The purpose of Round 3 was to support small towns with a population of less than 30,000. A total of $50 million in grant funding was to be distributed to successful applicants in 55 RDA regions throughout Australia.

To apply to RDAF Round 3 organisations had to first submit and Expression of Interest (EoI). EOIs were then assessed by the local RDA Board. Nine applications were received from the Murraylands & Riverland region all of a high calibre and standard. Five of these EOIs were invited to proceed to full application with three projects successfully gaining funding.

The Renmark Paringa District Council has been awarded $376,280 for the $868,313 Renmark Town Centre Revitalisation Stage 1 project as part of the SEE Renmark 2020 project.

The District Loxton Waikerie was successfully awarded $442,300 for the Waikerie Sports Precinct Stage 2 Development which will enable upgrades to facilities and assist to attract sporting events to the region.

Southern Mallee District Council gained $110,000 for the $220,000 Pinnaroo Wetlands Walking Trails and Recreation Open Space project. The new wetlands area will provide paths suitable for all leisure activities and incorporate a public picnic area and amenities block.
 
RDA Murraylands & Riverland would like to congratulate all successful applicants. Outcomes from RDAF Round 4 which supported projects valued between $500,000 and $15 million are expected to be announced in early July.

The Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport is calling for community volunteers with vision, drive and integrity to join the national RDA network.

Individuals with strong industry, community or local government experience who are able to represent the broad interests of the Murraylands & Riverland understand local challenges and achieve results are encouraged to apply.

Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse cultural backgrounds, people with disabilities and people from across every age group are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). All EOIs will be considered against the skills and expertise needed by RDA Murraylands & Riverland Inc

The Board is looking to expand its skill base around the three priority areas of Regional Diversification, Innovation, and Building Community Capacity. Industry experience in the Primary Industries or Manufacturing sectors, the digital economy, community development and finance, are examples of specific skills that the board is looking for as part of this refreshment process

Appointments will be made by the Minister for Regional Services, Local Communities and Territories, in consultation with the South Australian Government and the Local Government Association of South Australia (LGASA). EOIs are encouraged by Friday 5 July 2013.

Further information, including an EOI form and handbook, can be found at www.rda.gov.au or by contacting 1800 505 938 (Mon–Fri 9am-5pm AEDST) or rdaeoi(at)regional.gov.au.