The Growing Regions Program—Round 2 is now open for applications. Potential applicants can use the initial eligibility checklist to check their eligibility to apply, before starting an online application at business.gov.au.
The Australian Government has committed $600 million over four years, commencing in 2023-24 for the Growing Regions Program to deliver investment in infrastructure across Australia's regional, rural and remote areas.
The program provides funding of between $500,000 and $15 million to local government entities and incorporated not-for-profit organisations for capital works projects that will enhance liveability, bolster social cohesion and support local amenity throughout Australia's regions.
The program is open competitive with funding awarded on a merit basis.
As part of the Round 2 application process, applicants will be required to complete an initial online eligibility checklist to confirm eligibility, project readiness and program suitability.
Applicants that meet the eligibility requirements will be able to submit a full application. Further information on the application and assessment process is outlined in the Program Guidelines.
Applications for Round 2 can be submitted from 5 September 2024 until 5:00 pm (AEST) 10 October 2024. Please continue to monitor this web page for updates on the program.
Funding rounds
The program has been funded to deliver two rounds, with $600 million available to invest in regional and remote communities.
Round 1
Round 1 opened 5 July 2023 and closed 15 January 2024.
On 16 May 2024, funding was announced for 40 approved projects, delivering approximately $207 million to support projects across Australia's rural and remote communities. The list of approved projects is included in the Round 1 supporting documentation below.
Round 2
Round 2 opened for applications on 5 September 2024 and will close 10 October 2024.
Round 2 will provide $393 million to fund eligible capital works projects across rural and regional Australia.
Program Guidelines, online application form and templates are available at business.gov.au.
Round 2 supporting documentation
- Growing Regions Program—Round 2 Program Guidelines
- Minister's media release
- Eligibility checklist
- Fact sheet
- Program eligibility mapping tool
- Growing Regions Program—Round 2 co-funding methodology
Round 1 supporting documentation
- Growing Regions Program Round 1 Guidelines (Revised)—amendments to update program timelines for Round 1. Sub-section 4.1 of the guidelines were previously updated to clarify the eligibility of incorporated not-for-profit organisations and Alpine Resorts Victoria. For information on who is eligible to apply please see section 4 of the attached guidelines and visit GrantConnect to view the Addenda outlining the reason for this change.
- Program eligibility mapping tool
- Roundtable report—early engagement on the Growing Regions Program—March 2023
- Fact sheet
- Growing Regions Program—information on the assessment process
- Growing Regions Program—Round 1 successful projects
- Growing Regions Program—Round 1 co-funding methodology
Other funding opportunities
One funding offer which may be used to supplement other sources of funding, including the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and Growing Regions Program is Changing Places. Applicants are encouraged to consider including a Changing Places facility in upcoming community infrastructure plans.
The Commonwealth Department of Social Services is offering up to half of the cost to build Changing Places facilities in Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Australia. Changing Places are accessible toilets with extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with disability and their carers.
As at 1 February 2024, the Department of Social Services has increased the funding offer to provide:
- 50% of the funding towards build costs for Changing Places facilities in LGAs with an existing facility
- 40% of the funding towards build costs for all subsequent facilities in any LGA with at least one Changing Places
This funding offer can supplement other sources of funding, including the Growing Regions Program. Applicants are encouraged to consider including a Changing Places facility in upcoming community infrastructure plans.
Further information can be found at Changing Places | Department of Social Services, Australian Government (dss.gov.au).