Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has urged organisations looking to support local tourism initiatives in their communities to apply for grants under Round 5 of the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).
“Applications are open now and we have $200 million on the table for rural and regional communities to develop projects big and small which will support our local tourism industry,” Mr Joyce said.
Under the latest round, $100 million in funding has been allocated for dedicated support for tourism-related infrastructure, while a further $100 million will support broader community investment including tourism events and activities.
“Tourism is a big driver of our economic prosperity here in the New England so it’s critical we get this industry running on all engines,” he said.
“This funding will support local jobs, new investment, improved facilities and ultimately a better standard of living in towns and villages right across our region.”
Previous funding rounds of this program have supported major local projects including a new regional netball facility at Glen Innes, modern saleyard facilities at Scone and Inverell as well as funding toward the Tamworth Rail Intermodal Activation Plan and an upgrade of Tenterfield’s water treatment plant.
“In the last round we secured more than $7 million worth of projects here in the New England and I have confidence we can achieve that again, if not more,” he said.
Applications for Round 5 are now open and can be submitted through the online portal at www.business.gov.au/bbrf
If potential applicants have any questions regarding eligibility or the delivery of the program, they can contact the AusIndustry Business Grants Hub on 13 28 46 to discuss their individual circumstances.
Prospective applicants are also encouraged to contact their local Regional Development Australia (RDA) committee to discuss their application. More information including contact details for your local RDA can be found at www.rda.gov.au
Applications close on 5 March 2021, with successful applicants expected to be announced in mid-2021.
(ENDS)