Grant guidelines have been released for the first round of the Australian Government’s new $600 million Growing Regions Program, with expressions of interest to open on 5 July.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King (pictured) said the program will invest in critical regional infrastructure and community projects across regional and rural Australia through two $300 million funding rounds.
Local government entities and not-for-profit organisations will be able to apply for grants of between $500,000 and $15 million through the program, which will be open, competitive and merit-based, she said.
“As a regional Australian, I know how vital grants programs like this can be to make local projects in our regions a reality – projects that make a real difference for communities,” said Minister King.
“This will allow local government entities and not-for-profit organisations to do exactly that, with funding under this program able to be used to construct new community infrastructure, or upgrade and expand existing facilities.”
The grants can be used to cover up to 50% of eligible project costs, with lower co-funding requirements in place to support First Nations, disaster-affected and remote applicants to make their projects a reality.
“The Growing Regions program forms part of our Government’s unwavering commitment to investing in Australia’s regions to create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth and productivity,” Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain said.
“Through this program, we are delivering on our commitment to establish a new regional grants program focused on integrity, transparency, accountability, collaboration and fairness – and I can’t wait to see the incredible benefits it will have in our regions.”
Further information on the program, including the Round 1 guidelines, is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regional-australia/growing-regions-program.
