Millions available for infrastructure projects

APPLICATIONS for round two of the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program are now open.

A total of $393 million in funding is available for community infrastructure projects across regional and rural Australia, and the Member for Ballarat Catherine King is encouraging organisations across the city to apply.

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.

Local governments and not-for-profit organisations are able to apply for funding of between $500,000 and $15 million, 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.

Feedback from the Australian National Audit Office review into the design of the program has also been incorporated into the new round.

Ms King, also the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, said as a regional member of parliament, 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,” she 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.”

Potential applicants can check their eligibility by viewing a checklist on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts website.