Councils and community organisations in Cowper can apply for up to $200 million in funding for the construction of new infrastructure or to upgrade or extend existing infrastructure from January 2021.
Fifty per cent of the fifth round of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) will specifically target tourism-related infrastructure.
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said the infrastructure projects stream supports projects that provide economic and social benefits to regional and remote areas.
“The projects can be either construction of new infrastructure or the upgrade or extension of existing infrastructure,” he said.
“The infrastructure projects stream only supports investment-ready projects.
“I encourage communities across Cowper to apply for funding under BBRF, after the especially tough year we have experienced through bushfires, drought and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Australian Government is here for our communities, we have the funding and we are ready to support them for as long as it takes through dedicated initiatives such as the BBRF.
“Throughout rural and regional Australia, we have $100 million of targeted support for tourism-related infrastructure to get regional tourism back on its feet, while maintaining $100 million for broader community infrastructure and investment.”
Mr Conaghan said Cowper benefited from previous rounds of the BBRF with investments in crucial projects granted in 2020.
These include, an 18-hole mini golf facility following a successful application from the Crescent Head Country Club. The club received $1.3 million for the project.
Riverside Resort at Urunga received $950,000 to complete the final stage of its $2.7 million development of units nestled beside the beautiful Urunga River.
Port Macquarie’s Garden Village received $246,750 for the installation of solar panels and an electric vehicle charging station at its new 35 retirement living apartments.
The project supported six local jobs in the renewable energy sector and reduced energy costs for residents.
Garden Village CEO Craig Wearne said he was proud to be able to deliver a construction project with sustainability benefits.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the launch of the program guidelines meant prospective applicants could now begin planning their project applications for assessment.
“The Australian Government is supporting regional communities across the nation with a particular focus in this round on regional tourism,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This funding will create jobs and drive economic growth in our rural and remote communities at a time it is needed most.”
The guidelines have now been released and can be found at www.business.gov.au/bbrf meaning local proponents can now start developing their applications. Applications open on 12 January 2021 and close on 5 March 2021. Successful applicants are expected to be announced in mid-2021.
