Grants driving economic growth to open

COMMUNITIES can share in $200 million of Federal Government grants for regional infrastructure projects at the beginning of 2021 with half dedicated to tourism related projects.

The Building Better Regions Fund, now in its fifth round, is a $1.04 billion fund committed to driving economic growth in regional and remote Victoria.

Sporting clubs in Lorne and Winchelsea have benefited from the fund with significant contributions made to big projects.

Last year, Winchelsea Netball Club built a pavilion worth $700,000 for its netball club.

Steve Leigh, the chairperson of the Eastern Reserve Committee of Management said the project wouldn’t have happened without the Federal assistance.

“It was well and truly needed,” he said.

“The Shire Council were incredible too – they did a lot of heavy lifting to secure the funding, it was great to work with them.

“Funding help like that goes a long way in a regional community.”

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the fund offered relief to regional communities following a trying year.

“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,” Senator Henderson 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.”

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said applicants should start planning their applications.

“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.”

Head to www.business.gov.au/bbrf for more information. Applications open on January 12 and close on March 5, 2021.