SIXTH ROUND OF POPULAR BUILDING BETTER REGIONS FUND NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

The Liberal and Nationals’ Government is continuing to invest in the future of the Riverina and Central West with applications open for the sixth round of the popular Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said local councils and community organisations could now apply for a share of $250 million to go towards new projects to be funded and delivered from next year.

“The Federal Government continues to deliver the services and infrastructure our communities need, want, expect and, most importantly, deserve,” Mr McCormack said.

“The BBRF ensures our regional communities have the facilities they need, whilst creating jobs and supporting the local economy.

“In the previous round of the BBRF, Parkes Shire Council received $6 million towards its $14,407,487 Stage 1 Lachlan River water supply duplication project; there was $200,000 towards a community hub and conference centre in Lockhart and $56,950 towards the Riverina Murray Visitor Economy Mentor program.

“This funding stream has delivered such worthwhile projects, including the Equex indoor
multi-purpose stadium and Botanic Gardens upgrade at Wagga Wagga, main street upgrades at Cowra, Gundagai, Forbes and Parkes, Temora Airport upgrades, the Cowra Japanese Gardens roof upgrade and funding towards the sewage treatment plant at Gundagai.”

Local Governments and eligible incorporated not-for-profit organisations can again apply for grants between $5,000 and $10 million to cover 50 per cent or more of eligible project costs.

Round 6 projects will be funded under two streams.

The Infrastructure Projects Stream supports the construction of new infrastructure, or the upgrade or extension of existing infrastructure.

The Community Investments Stream funds community development activities including, but not limited to, new or expanded local events, strategic regional plans, leadership and capability building activities.

Applications close on Thursday, 10 February 2022.

Funding under previous rounds of BBRF:

Building Better Regions Fund Infrastructure Projects Stream – Round 5

Recipient | Project | Federal Funding

Parkes Shire Council | Lachlan River Water Supply Duplication Project Stage 1 | $6,000,000

Lockhart Football & Netball Club Incorporated | Lockhart Community Hub and Conference Centre | $200,000

Building Better Regions Fund Community Investments Stream – Round 5

Recipient | Project | Federal Funding

Destination Riverina Murray | Riverina Murray Visitor Economy Mentor Program | $56,950

Building Better Regions Fund Infrastructure Projects Stream – Round 4

Recipient | Project | Federal Funding

Hilltops Council | Murrimboola Creek Beautification | $1,836,446

Wagga Wagga City Council | Botanic Gardens Precinct Renewal | 4,288,879

Building Better Regions Fund Community Investments Stream – Round 4

Recipient | Project | Federal Funding

Cowra Shire Council | Word: using performing arts to focus on improving rural mental health | $20,000

Destination Riverina Murray | Destination Inspiration and Activation | $44,765

Yalballinga Boori Day Care Centre | Solar infrastructure | $20,000

Building Better Regions Fund Infrastructure Projects Stream – Round 3

Recipient | Project | Federal Funding

Cowra Japanese Gardens and Cultural Centre | Upgrading roofs of the cultural centre and bonsai house | $307,442

Forbes Shire Council | New commercial precinct over five locations (new gardens and green spaces, upgrading signs, new banners, line-marking bike stands, new seats | $867,241

Temora Shire Council | Upgrade Temora aerodrome runway and associated main apron and taxiways | $5,353,151

Building Better Regions Fund Community Investments Stream – Round 3

Recipient | Project | Federal Funding

Bland Shire Council | Bland Shire Council Business Workshop Program | $18,170

Matriark Theatre Inc | The Secret World: Cootamundra, a night festival hosted by young people | $15,000

Building Better Regions Fund Infrastructure Projects Stream – Round 2

Recipient | Project | Federal Funding

Cowra Shire Council | Upgrade Kendal Street footpath between Brisbane and Lachlan streets | $829,619

Parkes Shire Council | Parkes main street revitalisation and Cooke Park multi-purpose centre | $4,234,992

Whiddon Group, Temora | Extension of the Whiddon Group’s Temora Aged Care facility | $3,685,009

Building Better Regions Fund Community Investments Stream – Round 2

Recipient | Project | Federal Funding

Destination Riverina Murray Ltd | Riverina Murray Tourism Accelerator Program | $25,000

Building Better Regions Fund Infrastructure Projects Stream – Round 1

Recipient | Project | Federal Funding

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council | New sewage treatment works at Gundagai | $3,500,000

House With No Steps – Forbes | Relocate Aussie Biscuits factory to a larger location | $210,000

Weddin Shire Council | Grenfell Medical Centre | $950,000

Building Better Regions Fund Community Investments Stream – Round 1

Recipient | Project | Federal Funding

Coolamon Shire Council | Launch pads and modular pumptrack | $45,800

Eastern Riverina Arts | Community arts venues audit and database | $19,350

Forbes Shire Council | Agriculture Strategic Plan | $70,000

Wagga Wagga City Council | Fusion Festival sustainability study | $18,400

Total BBRF funding (Rounds 1 to 5): $32,616,214

National Stronger Regions Fund (fund name before BBRF) – Round 3

Recipient | Project | Federal Funding

Forbes Shire Council | Expansion of the Central West Livestock Exchange | $1,513,161

Kurrajong, Wagga Wagga | Construction of a multi-purpose facility at Hildasid | $1,200,00

Parkes Shire Council | Extension of Parkes Regional Airport Business Park | $1,557,500

National Stronger Regions Fund – Round 2

Recipient | Project | Federal Funding

Gundagai Shire Council | Main street redevelopment | $915,490

Harden Shire Council | Upgrade Cunningar Grain Storage and Handling facility | $2,500,000

Temora Shire Council | Medical precinct development | $599,962

Wagga Wagga City Council | Multi-purpose stadium at Equex Centre | $4,400,000

National Stronger Regions Fund – Round 1

Recipient | Project | Federal Funding

Parkes Shire Council | Construction of wastewater treatment plant and recycled water scheme | $8,725,000

Total NSRF funding (Rounds 1 to 3): $21,411,113

Shane Manning