Communities in Far North Queensland are invited to apply for a share in $200 million under Round 3 of the federal government’s highly-successful Building Better Regions Fund.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch is urging communities in the region to take advantage of the fund and get local infrastructure and community-building projects of all sizes off the ground.
He said the BBRF would support job-creating infrastructure and community projects with grants available from $20,000 to $10 million.
“This fund is dedicated to unlocking the economic potential in Far North Queensland and I encourage all eligible organisations with a great project idea to apply for the third round of funding,” Mr Entsch said.
“Our region has been very successful under the Building Better Regions Fund, having already seen seven projects including the $4.4 million Cairns Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre and the $1.5 million Mapoon Accommodation Centre being started and delivered.
“Extending the BBRF to a third round will allow community organisations that may have previously missed out to have the opportunity to expand and further develop their applications, allowing us to continue our investment in Far North Queensland and Cape York communities.
Deputy Prime Minister and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack said the projects delivered under Round 3 will ensure regional and remote communities continue to thrive.
“We have had fantastic outcomes over the first two funding rounds of the Coalition Government’s Building Better Regions Fund and I expect Round 3 to deliver more of the same with up to $45 million earmarked to increase tourism,” Mr McCormack said.
“Tourism is a major industry in many of our regional areas, and this investment in tourism-related infrastructure projects will draw more visitors to remote and regional Australia and the economic benefits they bring with them.
“In this third round we are investing a further $200 million – a clear indication of the government’s commitment to investing in projects that create jobs, build regional economies and ensure strong and resilient regional communities into the future.”
Applications for Round 3 of the Building Better Regions Fund open on 27 September 2018 and close on 15 November 2018.
Please visit www.business.gov.au/bbrf for further details, including guidelines and information on how to apply.