The guidelines for Round Five of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) have been released and I encourage all communities in the region to apply after the especially tough year they have faced with the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

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.

Our region has already benefited from previous rounds of the BBRF with investments in a number of crucial projects such as the Mackay ‘Sugar Bowl’ skate park, boat ramp upgrades, CQ Rescue facility upgrade, council chambers at Proserpine, Whitsunday Sportspark, Whitsundays water supply and Burdekin council economic development. These projects have driven economic growth in Mackay, the Whitsundays, Bowen and the Burdekin and delivered lasting benefits to our local communities.

For this round of the BBRF, I am keen to see proponents with tourism-related projects apply as this will provide a great opportunity to boost the sector which has struggled more than most due to the effects of COVID-19.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the launch of the program guidelines meant prospective applicants could now begin planning their project applications for assessment.

“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.”

The guidelines have now been released and can be found at www.business.gov.au/bbrf meaning local proponents can now start developing their applications. Applications open on 12 January 2021 and close on 5 March 2021. Successful applicants are expected to be announced in mid-2021.