Projects in major capital cities will not be eligible under a new fund announced by the Federal
Government today.
National’s Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie said under the Building
Better Regions Guidelines, regional areas will not have to compete with the
major cities for funding.
“There are some some key differences between the new Building Better Regions
Fund and previous funds.
“A brand new source of funding will be available for community projects – a Community Investments Stream which will have great appeal to local regional areas.
This could help to expand a local festival, attract a theatre production or major sporting event to bring more visitors to a town, or it might be leadership or business training for young locals.
“A new social benefit criteria will allow applicants to show how their project will make their region a more attractive place to live,” Senator McKenzie said.
“ This is a Fund for rural,regional communities with projects assessed against projects of similar size, so small community projects are not competing against huge projects worth tens of millions,
“I would encourage the local community to look at these new opportunities which are great for regional areas,” Senator McKenzie said.
Minister for Regional Development, Fiona Nash said regions allow our cities to exist.
“Our regions supply the water, food, the gas and electricity which powers city households.
Regional Australia supplies the milk which city people put on their breakfast, their cheese, butter and toast; the meat and vegetables they eat for dinner and the fruit and cream they
have for dessert.
“Investment in rural, regional and remote areas is necessary to keep Australia’s powerhouse running smoothly,” Minister Nash said.
To access the BBRF guidelines, and to lodge an application from 18 January 2017,
visit www.business.gov.au/bbrf