Initial applications for the Federal Government’s $272 million Regional Growth Fund are open. Applications will continue to be accepted until 5pm on 27 April.
State, Territory and Local Governments and private groups are eligible to apply.
Announcing the opening of the fund in Toowoomba, the Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the fund was designed to back projects that “have the capacity to transform regional areas.”
He said the Federal Government would provide a minimum of $10 million in funding and a maximum of 50 percent of the costs for each successful project. “Successful projects will provide greater support for existing industries such as agriculture, tourism and manufacturing.”
With Mr McVeigh at the launch was Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio who said the council would be making bids for grant money.
"We will examine this fund in every detail and we will certainly be putting projects forward, in the hope we can gain an advantage and get this additional funding that Local Government desperately needs,” he told local media.
The application process has two stages. An initial application needs to be lodged. If successful the applicant will be required to submit a business case. To be competitive applicants must score highly against these three criteria: create jobs; drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities.
See here for more information, including the guidelines and application process.