Round 5 of the Building Better Regions Fund open on January 12 and Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey encourages communities in the region to apply after the especially tough year they have faced with bushfires, drought and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Australian Government is here for our communities, we have the funding and we are ready to support them for as long as it takes through dedicated initiatives such as the BBRF,” he said.
“Throughout rural and regional Australia, we have $100 million of targeted support for tourism-related infrastructure to get regional tourism back on its feet, while maintaining $100 million for broader community infrastructure and investment.
“Grey has experienced tremendous success through BBRF projects with a total more than $27m being injected into the electorate over the first 4 rounds of the BBRF with investments in crucial projects driving economic growth in Grey and delivering lasting benefits to our local communities.
“Some fantastic projects have been funded under previous rounds of this program including funding for a water treatment plant, some outstanding tourism projects, funding for festivals and suicide prevention strategies among them.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the launch of the program guidelines meant prospective applicants could now begin planning their project applications for assessment.
“The Australian Government is supporting regional communities across the nation with a particular focus in this round on regional tourism,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This funding will create jobs and drive economic growth in our rural and remote communities at a time it is needed most.”
There are two streams of funding through BBRF:
- The Community Investments Stream supports new or expanded local events, strategic regional plans or leadership and capability strengthening activities that provide economic and social benefits to regional and remote areas.
- The Infrastructure Projects Stream supports investment ready projects that provide economic and social benefits for regional and remote areas.
- The guidelines have now been released and can be found at business.gov.au/bbrf meaning local proponents can now start developing their applications. Applications open on 12 January 2021 and close on 5 March 2021. Successful applicants are expected to be announced in mid-2021.
Jan 6 2021