Primary and secondary school students can be educationally disadvantaged by geographical isolation. The Country Areas Programme (CAP) provides targeted funding to states and the Northern Territory to help schools improve student learning outcomes.
Government and non-government primary and secondary schools are eligible for funding under the CAP provided that they are located in geographically isolated areas, or are distance education facilities serving these areas. CAP funds are available for a wide range of projects; please refer to programme information.
The government and non-government education authorities in each state and the Northern Territory are responsible for the detailed administration of the programme and must allocate the funds according to the CAP objectives and the Australian Government Programmes for Schools Quadrennial Guidelines - 2005 to 2008. This must be on a transparent basis and with appropriate targeting, including arrangements for consulting with and ensuring the participation of key stakeholders in the planning and delivery of the programme.
Australian Government Contact Details for the Country Areas Programme
Cathy Jubb
Director
Capital Policy and Rural Education Section
Schools Capital, Rural and Information Branch
Department of Education, Science and Training
GPO Box 9880
CANBERRA CITY ACT 2601
Ph: (02) 6240 7461
Fax: (02) 6240 7690
Email: cathy.jubb@dest.gov.au