Cultural and sport facilities to benefit under latest stage of Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program

August 26, 2024

With applications expected to open in September, program guidelines have been released for the second round of the Federal Government’s $600 million Growing Regions Program.

For Round 2, $393 million of funding is available to invest in community infrastructure projects across regional and rural Australia.

The program provides access to funding for projects such a libraries, parks, multi-purpose community centres, and sport and cultural facilities that enhance liveability, bolster social cohesion and support local amenity.

As with Round 1, local government entities and not-for-profit organisations will be able to apply for funding of between $500,000 and $15 million, with lower co-funding requirements available for remote communities, First Nations Community Controlled Organisations and low rate-based councils.

Round 2 will have a single-stage application process, unlike Round 1 which had two-stages. Feedback from the ANAO review into the design of the program has also been incorporated in this second round.

Announcing the new funding round, Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King stated “the program is open, competitive and merit-based, with a continued focus on integrity, transparency, accountability and collaboration - to ensure a fair process for Australia’s regions and address a decade of mismanagement by the Coalition.

“An eligibility checklist has been published on my department’s website to assist potential applicants.”

Further information and the Round 2 Program Guidelines, is available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website.

Click here for more information.

Image credit: Dubbo Netball Association.

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