Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government, the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP, has just announced the opening of the $272.2 million Regional Growth Fund for Initial Applications.
The Regional Growth Fund will provide grants of $10 million or more (with at least 50 per cent of the total project cost to be met from non-Commonwealth sources) for major transformational projects in regions undergoing structural adjustment. The key objectives to be met by such projects are job creation, economic growth, and building stronger regional communities.
Applications are open to state and territory governments, local governments, the private sector and not-for-profit organisations. Funding is only available for “common use” capital infrastructure projects or private use infrastructure projects that will deliver significant and sustainable benefits to the region by creating jobs and flow-on benefits to the economy.
Projects must be located in an eligible area (that is outside cities over 1 million people) unless it can be shown that economic benefits flow directly into an eligible area.
The Regional Growth Fund offers a two-stage application process. The applicants start with a simple Initial Application which does not require a full business case or extensive documentation. If successful, the applicants will be invited to submit a Full Business Case in stage two. The Initial Application round closes on 27 April 2018.
If you need more information about the Regional Growth Fund or want us to assist you with the Initial Application, please get in touch – we’re happy to help!