Hinkler encouraged to ‘think big’- the Regional Growth Fund now open

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is calling for big ideas that could help shape the future of the region, with the Regional Growth Fund open now for applications.

The $272 million Regional Growth Fund will support major projects in regional, rural and remote areas that deliver long-term economic benefits.

“Following on from the successful Regional Jobs and Investment Package projects announced earlier this week, the Coalition Government is calling for major projects over $20 million that take advantage of the region’s natural economic strengths, such as agriculture, tourism and manufacturing,” Mr Pitt said.

Funding is available to local and state governments, the private sector and not-for-profit organisations and projects will be located in regional and remote Australia, outside the major capital cities.

“The program will fund common-use infrastructure or private use infrastructure that delivers significant and sustainable benefits to the region by creating jobs and flow-on benefits to the economy.

“Initial applications close on 27 April 2018 and I encourage everyone eligible in our community to look at the program guidelines and get started on an application,” Mr Pitt said.

Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the Coalition Government would invest a minimum of $10 million toward each successful infrastructure project, representing a maximum of 50 per cent of project costs.

“The Regional Growth Fund will be a game-changer across Australia by unlocking government funding for projects that have the capacity to transform regional areas,” Dr McVeigh said.

“The Regional Growth Fund is an open invitation to everyone eligible who believes in regional and remote Australia to partner with the Coalition Government to support positive change for the future.”

For more information on the program, including the application process, visit www.grants.gov.au