Tremendous opportunities await Hume electorate communities and councils in the Coalition Government’s new $297 million Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said the Fund will create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger rural, regional and remote communities.

“The Government is looking for investment-ready infrastructure projects and community activities which will have both an economic and social benefit for the local region,” he said.

“This exciting new funding program gives Hume community groups and councils the opportunity to think outside the square and submit the projects they feel will best strengthen their region.”

Funding under the BBRF will be available in two streams:

• The Infrastructure Projects Stream will invest in projects that involve the construction of new infrastructure, or upgrade or extension of existing infrastructure.
• The Community Investments Stream will invest in local events and activities, strategic regional plans and leadership and capability building activities.

“A brand new source of funding will be available for community projects – a Community Investments Stream, which might help expand a local festival, attract a theatre production or major sporting event to the region to bring more visitors to the town,” Mr Taylor said.

“One of the many great features of this Fund is that applications will be assessed in three categories depending on the size of the project, which means small projects will not compete with major projects for funding.

“Also, there is a new social benefit criteria which will allow applicants to show how their project will make their region a more attractive place to live, or improve community connections.”

Projects in major capital cities will not be eligible under the Building Better Regions guidelines. This is a Fund for rural, regional and remote communities, Mr Taylor said.

“I look forward to seeing what projects local communities in Hume feel will best strengthen our region because when government invests in a region it builds confidence across the entire community. Confidence is key in regional communities.”

The Program Guidelines for the Building Better Regions Fund outline the type of project proposals sought, how to lodge an application, how assessment will be conducted, and critical program dates. The Fund replaces the National Stronger Regions Fund which has now closed.

For factsheets and more information contact Mr Taylor’s office on 1300 301 826, email angus.taylor.mp@aph.gov.au or click here

To access the BBRF guidelines, and to lodge an application from 18 January 2017, visit www.business.gov.au/bbrf