Councils and not-for-profits are urged to apply for up to $10 million in the new round of Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) grants.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said he encouraged local Councils and not-for-profits to apply for funding, even though the program has a sketchy track record
“We need to keep fighting for a share of the $250 million round, as it is the only way we can send the message to this Government of the incredible need for infrastructure in our region,” Mr Neumann said.
“This round includes an infrastructure project stream, with grants available between $20,000 to $10 million to cover at least 50 per cent of investment-ready projects to build new or upgrade existing infrastructure.
“The community investment stream supports new or expanded local events, plans and program that provide economic and social benefits, with grants from $5,000 to $1 million.”
While the program is the centrepiece of the Morrison-Joyce Government’s regional agenda, over the past three years it has delivered over 90 per cent of funding ($1 billion) to Coalition held or target seats.
Labor-held electorate hold over one third of BBRF-eligible seats but to date have only received 14 per cent of funding.
“I call on the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure this round of funding is distributed fairly and based on regional needs rather than used to secure votes in an upcoming election.”
Mr Neumann said the timing of this round smacks of yet more pork-barrelling, particularly with the sneaky $16 billion pre-election slush fund in the Mid-Year Economic Financial Outlook (MYEFO).
“The real MYEFO story is that this government has delivered $1 billion of debt with not much to show for it, with deficits of $340 billion, weak wage growth and increased job insecurity.
“More than that, it is the second highest taxing government of the last 30 years, with taxes remaining higher across the forward estimates than what they inherited.”
Mr Neumann said he believed our Councils and community groups are strong and resilient and encouraged them to continue making applications.
For more information go to https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/building-better-regions-fund-community-investments-stream-round-6. Applications are open until 10 February 2022.
