MEDIA RELEASE
THE HON SHAYNE NEUMANN MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BLAIR
The Albanese Government has announced a new regional grants program to replace the discredited programs run by the former Coalition Government.
Grant guidelines have now been released for the first round of the Australian Government’s new $600 million Growing Regions Program, with expressions of interest to open on 5 July this year.
The October 2022 Federal Budget established a range of new grant programs to replace the discredited programs run by the Liberals and Nationals, such as the Building Better Regions program.
An Australian National Audit Office report revealed that under the LNP, these programs had been rorted and pork-barrelled to give money to National Party seats without any fairness, adherence to program guidelines or proper process.
The Albanese Government has been determined to provide something better for regional Australians.
The Growing Regions Program will invest in critical regional infrastructure and community projects across regional and rural Australia through two $300 million funding rounds, with a second round to follow Round 1.
Local government entities and not-for-profit organisations will be able to apply for grants of between $500,000 and $15 million through the program, which will be open, competitive and merit based.
The grants can be used to cover up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs, with lower co-funding requirements in place to support First Nations, disaster-affected and remote applicants to make their projects a reality.
By funding community and economic infrastructure projects in rural and regional Australia, the program will drive economic prosperity, enhance liveability, bolster social inclusion and support local amenity.
Further information on the program, including the Round 1 guidelines, is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regional-australia/growing-regions-program
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann welcomed the announcement and said he expected the new Growing Regions Program would benefit his electorate.
“As a regional Australian, I know how vital grants programs like this can be to make local projects in our region a reality – projects that make a real difference for our community.
“This will allow local councils and not-for-profit organisations to do exactly that, with funding under this program able to be used to construct new community infrastructure, or upgrade and expand existing facilities.
“The Growing Regions Program forms part of the Albanese Labor Government’s unwavering commitment to investing in Australia’s regions to create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth and productivity.
“We are delivering on our commitment to establish a robust regional grants program focused on integrity, transparency, accountability, collaboration and fairness – and I can’t wait to see what it will deliver in our region.
“I encourage Ipswich City Council and Somerset Regional Council, and local community groups and sporting clubs, to apply for funding through the program to deliver the infrastructure and facilities our community needs and deserves.”
