The second round of the Federal Government’s $600 million Growing Regions Program is now open to applications.
For round two, $393 million in funding is available to invest in community infrastructure projects across regional and rural Australia.
The program provides funding for capital works projects such as libraries, parks, multi-purpose community centres, and sport and cultural facilities that enhance liveability, bolster social cohesion and support local amenity.
As with round one, local government entities and incorporated not-for-profit organisations can apply for funding of between $500,000 and $15 million through the program, with lower co-funding requirements in place to support First Nations Community Controlled Organisations and low rate-based councils.
Round two will have a single-stage application process, unlike round one which had two stages. Feedback from the Australian National Audit Office review into the design of the program has also been incorporated into this new round.
Potential applicants can check their initial eligibility to apply for the program by viewing the eligibility checklist published on www.infrastructure.gov.au
The program is open, competitive and merit-based, with a continued focus on integrity, transparency, accountability and collaboration – to ensure a fair process for Australia’s regions.
The Federal Government has said that it is committed to investing in its regions to create jobs and boost economic growth and productivity.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that as a regional MP, she understands the impact that community infrastructure projects such as parks and town halls can have on building connection among locals, and how vital funding is to making them a reality.
“It’s why I’m proud to deliver the Growing Regions Program, funding 40 projects under our first round and now taking applications for our second,” Minister King said.
“We’ve taken time to overhaul Commonwealth grants funding to make it a fairer, more transparent process, and I encourage local councils and not-for-profits to apply.”
Image: Bendigo Aerial/shutterstock.com
