I am delighted to announce that applications for Round Three of the Australian Government’s landmark $1 billion National Stronger Regions Fund will open on 15 January.
Information sessions for potential Round Three applicants will be conducted in each State and Territory between 18-29 January.
The Victorian information session will be held on Tuesday, 19 January from 9am-10.30 at Crowne Plaza Melbourne. Following the information session there will be an opportunity to ask questions of Departmental officers.
I would encourage any local council or community groups considering putting in an application to attend the information session and find out more. Places are limited, so I would advise people to register early.
The National Stronger Regions Fund will provide a significant injection for local towns and communities to ensure residents in regional areas have access to top-class facilities.
This is about making our regions more attractive places to live, work and enjoy.
Funding will be provided for capital projects that involve the construction of new infrastructure, or the upgrade or an extension of existing infrastructure and are designed to spur economic growth – from freight and transport projects to convention centres and major multi-purpose sports and community facilities.
These facilities will draw people to our townships, in turn providing a boost to local economies.
There are a number of worthy projects throughout the Flinders electorate that could benefit from this funding so I encourage councils and not-for-profit community groups to get their applications in.
Projects large and small have the capacity to transform our townships.
The Government’s focus is on strengthening economies in Australia’s most disadvantaged areas by improving productivity, economic opportunity, employment and workforce skills. Grant funding must be matched in cash on at least a dollar-for-dollar basis and the project must deliver an economic benefit to the region beyond the period of construction.
The National Stronger Regions Fund will provide local community projects with between $20,000 and $10 million, covering up to 50 per cent of the project cost. Local government and incorporated not-for-profit organisations are eligible to apply.
The Fund encourages partnerships between project proponents and the private sector, local and state governments. Guidelines of the National Stronger Regions Fund are available online at www.infrastructure.gov.au/nsrf Applications close 15 March, 2016 at 5pm (applicant’s local time).
To register for the information session in Melbourne visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/nsrf and use the password NSRF_Melbourne.