McCORMACK CALLS FOR GROWING REGIONS PROGRAM GRANT SUBMISSIONS

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack is calling for Riverina and Central West Councils and incorporated not-for-profits to apply for a share in $393 million up for grabs under Round 2 of the Growing Regions Program.

 “The Growing Regions Program is the successor of the Former Coalition Government’s Building Better Regions Fund which delivered regional Australia $1.15 billion across 1,293 projects,” Mr McCormack said.

 “The new fund offers $600 million across two rounds to support the liveability of regional communities through the construction or upgrading of community infrastructure and the delivering of increased amenity and community connectedness.

 “From 5 September 2024 until 10 October 2024 applications will be open for Councils and incorporated not-for-profits to apply for a share in $393 million up for grabs under round 2 of the program.

 “With the Federal Government contributing funding ranging from a minimum of $500,0000 to a maximum of $15 million, this is an opportunity to get some remarkable community projects off the ground.

 “For most successful projects the Government will contribute up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs, however, up to 70 per cent funding may be attainable for projects in remote areas or for projects run by low rate-based Councils, nine of which are located in the Riverina electorate.

 “These Councils are Bland Shire, Coolamon Shire, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Cowra Shire, Forbes Shire, Junee Shire, Lockhart Shire, Temora Shire and Weddin Shire.

 “First Nations Community Controlled Organisations may be eligible to receive a contribution of up to 90 per cent. Similarly, projects in very remote classified areas may also be eligible for the contribution of up to 90 per cent.

 “In the previous round of the program, the Riverina and Central West received more than $10 million in funding across three projects; the Lake Albert Water Sports and Event Precinct, the Cowra Aquatic Centre and the Parkes Wetlands project.

 “I am keen to see many more projects in the Riverina and Central West successfully funded under this present round of the program.

 “As always, I will offer my full support for applications under the program and will do my utmost to ensure our region receives its fair share of the funding.”

 More information and the program’s guidelines can be found at www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regional-australia/growing-regions-program

ENDS