Port Douglas Waterfront project proponents are holding on to the hope of Federal Government support as another $225 million in Regional Development Australia funding is made available.

Rounds three and four of the RDAF were launched on Tuesday by Simon Crean, Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government.

The launch was warmly welcomed by Sonja Johnson, CEO of RDA's Far Northern arm.
 
“This announcement comes at a time when the region is preparing for the G20 Summit, so any new infrastructure to impress our visitors would be very welcome,” Ms Johnson said.
 
“Selection criteria will focus on the project's impact (economic, social and environmental) while taking in all cost factors, its alignment to the RDA FNQ&TS’ Regional Road Map and the impact the project in question will have on neighbouring communities.”

The Port Douglas Waterfront project has been overlooked by RDA in the past, but Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning said Council believed the project was a "lead candidate" for the latest round RDA funding.

"We've said all along it's top of the list," he said of the priority placed on the project by Council.

The infrastructure project will be looking to tap into the $175 million available in Round Four of RDA funding where up to $15 million can be allocated to any one project.

But Division 10 councillor Julia Leu said Council must act quickly to move that the application be resubmitted, and ensure the project secures funding this time around warning "this could be the end of this program's funding."

She said meetings with the Far Northern RDA had been positive, and that Council could increase their $500,000 commitment to the project to ensure dollar for dollar federal funding be maximised.

Expressions of interest close on 6 December 2012 and the top three ranked projects will be submitted to the Department on 11 February 2013.