Closing soon: up to $15 million for regional infrastructure projects

The Federal Government’s Growing Regions grant funding program is inviting eligible applications, with eligible projects to submit Expressions of Interest.

If successful, applicants will be invited to submit a full stage application at Stage 2.

The Growing Regions government grant is a competitive funding program offering successful, eligible applicants grants of between $500,000 and up to $15 million, on a co-contribution basis.

The level of co-contribution varies from 50% - 90% depending on the Group in which an applicant fits.

Groups include:

1. GROUP 1 - Grant funding for up to 90% of eligible project costs for:

   1. Projects run by First Nations Community Controlled Organisations (see guidelines for more information).

   2. Projects located in ‘very remote’ locations per the Australian Bureau of Statistics Remoteness Structure (weblink).

   3. Projects located in areas impacted by natural disaster from 1 May 2022 as defined in the Australian Disasters Assist (weblink).

2. GROUP 2 - Grant funding for up to 70% of eligible project costs for:

   • Projects located in ‘remote’ locations per the Australian Bureau of Statistics Remoteness Structure (weblink). Twenty two councils are on this list including Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council and Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council.

   • Projects run by ‘low rate based’ councils (refer to program guidelines for details).

3. GROUP 3 - Grant funding up to 50% of eligible project costs for all remaining projects.

The program is aimed at projects delivering and/or benefitting regional areas with eligible entities including Not-for-Profit organisations, First Nations Community Controlled Organisations, and local government agencies or bodies.

Successful projects will support the intended Grant program outcomes which include:

• delivery of community-focused infrastructure which contributes to local and regional priorities

• provision of infrastrcuture which benefits the community by improving equity and supports diverse social inclusion

• to contribute to the achievement of broader Government priorities such as net zero emissions, gender equity, and/or First Nations priorities

• growing local economies and enhancing amenity and liveability in the regions

Eligible projects will:

• Be aimed at construction new community infrastructure or expanding / upgrading existing infrastructure for wider community benefit

• Be located outside of teh Greater Capital City Statistical areas

• NOT have commenced construction

• NOT have received Commonwealth funding to undertake the same activities

Eligible expenditure includes:

• materials for construction

• lease of plant and equipment

• contract expenditure

• external labour hire and consulting

Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 5pm (AEST) 1st August 2023.

To find out more, and to access the program guidelines, sample application forms and sample grant agreements click here.