Building Better Regions fund
$250 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR PROJECTS IN NEW ENGLAND
The Liberal and Nationals Government is continuing to invest in the future of New England with a further $250 million in funding available under the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).
Applications for Round 6 of the program are now open, paving the way for new projects that our communities need and deserve to be funded and delivered from next year.
Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce is calling on local councils and community organisations to start preparing applications for projects to receive a share in $250 million.
“The Liberal and Nationals Government is delivering the services and infrastructure our communities deserve,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Funding projects in regional towns will ensure communities have the facilities they need for the future, while creating jobs now and driving our economic recovery.
“Our Government has a strong track record of delivering projects that are important to regional Australians and I look forward to discussing new projects with local councils and community groups.”
The BBRF supports economic and social infrastructure for the long-term benefit of regional communities. Funding the infrastructure and services that communities need for the future will create jobs and help them rebound strongly from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funding under Round 6 takes the Government’s total investment through the BBRF to $1.38 billion. This includes an investment of more than $24 million in New England which has helped fund 23 local projects.
Mr. Joyce, who is also Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development said the Government is focused on ensuring our regions remain strong and grow into the future.
“Regional Australians deserve the same services and opportunities that people in metropolitan cities have, and the Building Better Regions Fund helps make this happen,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“That’s why we’ve committed another $250 million for projects and initiatives that will transform communities, create new jobs and drive economic growth across regional Australia.
“This will build on the 298 fantastic regional projects that shared in $300 million in funding under the last round of the Building Better Regions Fund.
“Our Government is committed to delivering the best outcomes for regional and remote Australia, which is why we are providing local businesses, industries and families with opportunities to get ahead.”
Local governments and eligible incorporated not-for-profit organisations can again apply for grants of $5,000 up to $10 million to cover 50 per cent or more of eligible project costs.
Round 6 projects will be funded under two streams. The Infrastructure Projects Stream supports the construction of new infrastructure, or the upgrade or extension of existing infrastructure.
The Community Investments Stream funds community development activities including, but not limited to, new or expanded local events, strategic regional plans, leadership and capability building activities.
Applications close on Thursday, 10 February 2022.
Significant projects that have previously been funded under the BBRF include:
- $5 million to upgrade the Liverpool Plains regional water supply (Round 5).
- $2.6 million to replace and upgrade the Tenterfield Water Treatment Plant (WTP) (Round 4)
- $2.2 million to construct roadways, a roundabout and utilities services linking access roads to the intermodal freight hub project in West Tamworth (Round 4).
- $2.35 million to construct a new centre for Armajun Aboriginal Health Service, Inverell (Round 3).
- $1.4 million to redevelop the Tamworth Tennis Centre (Round 3).
- $2.5 million to upgrade the Inverell Livestock Exchange (Round 2), plus a further $631,000 for Stage 2 (Round5).