Program Guidelines have been released for the second round of the Albanese Government’s $600 million Growing Regions Program, with applications expected to open in September.

For Round 2, $393 million of funding is available to invest in community infrastructure projects across regional and rural Australia.

The program provides access to funding for projects such a libraries, parks, multi-purpose community centres, and sport and cultural facilities that enhance liveability, bolster social cohesion and support local amenity.

As with Round 1, local government entities and not-for-profit organisations will be able to apply for funding of between $500,000 and $15 million, with lower co-funding requirements available for remote communities, First Nations Community Controlled Organisations and low rate-based councils.

Round 2 will have a single-stage application process, unlike Round 1 which had two-stages. Feedback from the ANAO review into the design of the program has also been incorporated in this second round.

The program is open, competitive and merit-based, with a continued focus on integrity, transparency, accountability and collaboration – to ensure a fair process for Australia’s regions and address a decade of mismanagement by the Coalition. 

An eligibility checklist has been published on my department’s website to assist potential applicants.

The Government is committed to delivering community-focused infrastructure which contributes to local and regional priorities, where it is needed most.

Further information and the Round 2 Program Guidelines, is available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website at www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regional-australia/growing-regions-program.