Let’s Build Better Regions in Wide Bay

24/11/2016

Let’s Build Better Regions in Wide Bay

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien today said the Coalition Government’s new $297 million Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) will invest in projects that create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger rural, regional and remote communities.

“The BBRF gives community groups and councils the opportunity to apply for funding for projects to strengthen our region,” Mr O’Brien said. 

“A broad range of projects can be funded under the BBRF.  From infrastructure to local events, and strategic plans to leadership and capability building, the BBRF will invest in projects that help build the communities our children and grandchildren will either want to stay in or come back to.

“When the Government invests in a region it builds confidence. The Coalition’s BBRF will support local projects that will help to make our communities more vibrant and livable.”

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.

The new Community Investments Stream might help expand a local festival, attract a theatre production or major sporting event to the region to bring more visitors to the town, or it might be leadership or business training for young locals.

“A new social benefit criteria will allow applicants to demonstrate how their project will make their region a more attractive place to live, or improve community connections.

“Project applications will be assessed against applications of similar size, so small community projects are not competing against larger projects seeking significant amounts of money.”

The BBRF Program Guidelines outline the type of project proposals sought, how to lodge an application, how assessment will be conducted, and critical program dates.

The BBRF replaces the National Stronger Regions Fund which has now closed.

Applications open from 18 January 2017.  For more information, please visit the website www.business.gov.au/bbrf.