Applications open for $272m Regional Growth Fund

MARCH 2, 2018: The Coalition Government’s highly anticipated Regional Growth Fund is officially open for applications and I'm calling for big ideas from the community that could help shape the future of the region.The $272 million Regional Growth Fund will support major projects in regional, rural and remote areas that delivered long-term economic benefits.This is an exciting program that is set to deliver major projects over $20 million that take advantage of the region’s natural economic strengths.The Regional Growth Fund will support additional investment for sustainable economic growth, including from the private sector, other levels of government, and not-for-profit organisations.Initial applications close on 27 April 2018 and I encourage everyone eligible in our community to look at the program guidelines and get started on an application.Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh, who launched the guidelines in Toowoomba today, said the Coalition Government would invest a minimum of $10 million toward each successful infrastructure project, representing a maximum of 50 per cent of project costs.“The Regional Growth Fund will be a game-changer across Australia by unlocking government funding for projects that have the capacity to transform regional areas,” Dr McVeigh said.“Successful projects will provide greater support for existing industries such as agriculture, tourism and manufacturing, allowing them to innovate and flourish.“The Regional Growth Fund is an open invitation to everyone eligible who believes in regional and remote Australia to partner with the Coalition Government to support positive change for the future.“I look forward to working together with local organisations to deliver more jobs and more opportunities across regional Australia.”For more information on the program, including the application process, visit www.grants.gov.au