The Australian Government committed $222.3 million to the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages (RJIP) to help regions in Australia diversify their economies, stimulate long-term economic growth and deliver sustainable employment.
Ten pilot regions were chosen to be part of the RJIP. These regions had much untapped potential which, if unlocked, could lead to new sources of growth, economic diversity and the opportunity to pursue export markets. RJIP aimed to support these regions to meet the opportunities to help secure their economic future.
The packages were delivered across the following 10 regions:
- Bowen Basin—received $30 million
- New South Wales North Coast—received $25 million
- New South Wales South Coast—received $20 million
- Wide Bay Burnett—received $20 million
- Goulburn Valley—received $20 million
- Tropical North Queensland—received $20 million
- Geelong—received $20 million
- Regional Tasmania—received $27 million
- Upper Spencer Gulf—received $20 million
- Latrobe Valley—received $20 million.
The Department of Industry, Innovation and Science's Business Grants Hub was responsible for administering the program on behalf of our department (this included grant application, enquiries and project management activities).