SEPTEMBER 28, 2018: THE THIRD round of a funding program which has delivered in spades for my region is now open and interested groups should apply for a share of the $200 million Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.Under rounds one and two of the BBRF, Mackay has benefitted from a $1 million investment into the Mackay Sugar Bowl which officially opened last week, as well as $1.6 million for the CQ Rescue Service and $160,000 to repair the Palmyra Dragway track.BBRF has also provided funding of $3.6 million for the Proserpine disaster coordination centre and $9 million for the Greening and Growing Bowen project for sewage treatment and treated reuse for parks, gardens and sporting facilities.All these projects are driving economic growth and delivering jobs and lasting benefits to our local communities.So I encourage other proponents to find out more and to take note that there is a $45 million allocation for tourism projects.Tourism is a major industry in many of our regional areas, and this investment in tourism-related infrastructure projects will draw more visitors and resulting economic benefits to regional Australia.I encourage all eligible organisations with a great project idea to apply for the third round of funding.Applicatons close on 15 November 2018.Find out more at http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/bbrf