$40million for regional resource centres

One of the state's longest running and most successful regional community service programs would receive $40million over the next four years as part of Royalties for Regions.

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls today announced the new funding for the WA Telecentre Network. He said $5million would be allocated this financial year in the first phase of funding, including an immediate boost of $10,000 for each facility.

Mr Grylls said there were more than 100 not-for-profit facilities in the WA Telecentre Network in regional Western Australia and this additional funding would help them expand and enhance their services.

"These are important centres that are community-owned and operated and provide access to some core services for people living and working in regional communities throughout the state," he said.

"Their services include providing access to computers and high-speed internet; two-way video conferencing; education and training; as well as government information and referral services."

To reflect their increased role, they would be renamed Community Resource Centres and would form part of the WA Community Resource Network.

The Minister said that in addition to the $10,000 immediate increase to the Operational Support Grant for each of the centres, the first phase of the new funding would include a one-off grant of up to $10,000 for minor refurbishment work and equipment upgrades. There would also be an immediate increase in funding available for community-based projects.

"Another $1.3million of the money this financial year will enable the network to upgrade videoconferencing capabilities. This will make the network the largest community-owned video conferencing network in Australia," Mr Grylls said.