The Liberal and Nationals Government is investing in the future of New England with more than $5.8 million in funding for 4 projects under Round 5 of our highly successful Building Better Regions Fund.

Projects to receive funding include:

• $5,000,000 to upgrade the Liverpool Plains regional water supply
• $631,000 to upgrade the facilities of the Inverell Regional Livestock Exchange
• $71,839 to research and identify skill shortages, skill surpluses and service gaps in regional New South Wales.
• $154,710 to deliver a leadership development program across rural areas in New England to enhance participants’ leadership capacity and encourage community cohesion.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the Government’s investment will deliver better facilities and economic opportunities for the region.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government is delivering the services and infrastructure our communities deserve,” Mr Joyce said.

“We are backing these projects so local people have the facilities for the future, while creating jobs to boost our economic recovery.

“These four projects will not only provide a boost to residents of Liverpool Plains, Inverell, Armidale and Glen Innes, but will help ensure a prosperous future in these communities for years to come.

“I have worked closely with local councils and community groups. It’s great to be part of a Government that will listen to and deliver for our community.”

Under Round 5 of the BBRF, the Government has committed almost $300 million to support 295 projects across regional Australia, which will create an estimated 9,900 jobs during the project period.

This latest funding round takes our total support through the BBRF to $1.38 billion across nearly 1,300 projects.

Mr Joyce who is also Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development said the Government is focused on ensuring our regions remain strong.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government is continuing to work hard on behalf of Australians living in regional and remote communities,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“That’s why we’ve committed an additional $100 million under this latest round to take total funding to almost $300 million. This extra funding will support more projects, more jobs and create more economic opportunities in our regions to boost their recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Funding under the Building Better Regions Fund supports economic and social infrastructure for the long-term benefit of regional communities.

“Infrastructure upgrades funded in this latest round will ensure our regions remain great places to live and visit, while helping support important regional industries which create jobs.

“Our Government is committed to delivering the best outcomes for regional and remote Australia, which is why we are providing local businesses, industries and families with opportunities to get ahead,” Mr Joyce said.

For a full list of successful projects, please visit: www.business.gov.au/bbrf