The National Stronger Regions Fund is an initiative to boost social and economic development in Australia’s regions by funding priority infrastructure projects in local communities. The Australian Government has committed $1 billion to the fund over five years commencing from 2015–16.
Funding will be provided for capital projects which involve construction of new infrastructure, or the upgrade, extension or enhancement of existing infrastructure. Projects selected for funding should deliver an economic benefit to the region beyond the period of construction, and should support disadvantaged regions or areas of disadvantage within a region.
Local Government and incorporated not-for-profit organisations are eligible to apply for grants of between $20,000 and $10 million. Grant funding must be matched in cash on at least a dollar for dollar basis, and the funded part of the project must be completed on or before 31 December 2019.
Applications for Round 1 can be submitted from 1st October 2014 until 28th November 2014.
Organisations wishing to apply for funding can speak with RDA Hunter for information about:
- identifying infrastructure projects
- facilitating bringing key parties together
- preparing applications, supporting documents and evidence
For further information visit http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/NSRF/index.aspx