Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has welcomed the release of guidelines for the $200 million Round Five of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) and encouraged communities in the region to apply.
Throughout rural and regional Australia, $100 million will be allocated for tourism-related infrastructure to get regional tourism back on its feet following drought, bushfire and COVID-19 setbacks, while $100 million will target broader community infrastructure and investment.
“Our region has already benefited from previous rounds of the BBRF with investments in crucial projects such as the Tenterfield Water Treatment Plant Replacement, Tamworth Intermodal Activation Plan, Gwydir Oval Lighting Replacement and a new centre for Armajun Aboriginal Health Service in Inverell to name but a few,” Mr Joyce said.
“These projects are already driving economic growth in the New England, delivering lasting benefits to our local communities and I’m eager to roll out more developments across the region.”
BBRF’s tourism-related infrastructure grants complement Mr Joyce’s announcement of more than $500,000 in funding for 12 projects and events across the New England to boost domestic visitors in the region following bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the launch of the BBRF Round 5 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 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.
(ENDS)