The NSW Nationals in the federal government are investing in the future of regional Australia with $300 million in funding under the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF)
The government has committed an extra $100 million on top of the $200 million initially announced under Round 5 of the highly successful BBRF to fund 298 projects across the country.
These projects will create an estimated 9,900 jobs and deliver a further $330 million of stimulus through co-investment.
The Building Better Regions Fund supports economic and social infrastructure for the long-term benefit of regional communities. Round 5 is focused on supporting regional tourism as part of our economic recovery plan, with $125 million committed to 81 shovel-ready tourism-specific infrastructure upgrades.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the government is working to ensure regional Australia remains strong well into the future.
“The government is continuing to work hard on behalf of Australians who call our regions home,” Mr Joyce said.
“Funding the infrastructure and services that regional and remote communities need for the future will help them rebound strongly from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“That’s why we’ve committed an extra $100 million to take our total investment to $300 million under Round 5 of the Building Better Regions Fund. This additional funding will support more projects, more jobs and create more economic opportunities in our regions to drive their recovery.
“Investing in tourism will protect existing jobs and create new ones, while positioning regional towns and economies to capitalise on Australia’s post-COVID recovery as borders reopen and people start travelling again.
“Our infrastructure and community investments will ensure our regions remain great places to live and visit, while enabling them to continue supporting 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.”
Other projects funded under Round 5 include:
• New art galleries and museums that provide vital social and cultural experiences or shine a light on local talent, encouraging tourism and visitation to the regions.
• Sporting precincts, aquatic centres and health facilities, helping families stay active and allowing locals to try new activities as well as bringing inter-regional sporting competitions that will benefit accommodation and tourism service providers.
• Community hall and facilities upgrades, helping residents to continue to meet, work together and access key amenities in their own patch.
• Upgrades to regional water supplies, future proofing the availability and quality of water in rural and regional Australia.
• Extensions to botanical gardens, wildlife sanctuaries and art trails to create popular attractions within regional communities for locals and visitors alike.
The Government has now invested $1.38 billion across five rounds of the BBRF, funding nearly 1,300 projects to support regional jobs and economies.
