Round two of the Building Better Regions Fund – Infrastructure Projects stream has given 136 regional projects the green light, with a total project value of $459 million.
The Federal Government has announced it will invest more than $208 million the projects around Australia as part of the fund.
One council that received a $4.2 million grant was the Parkes Shire Council to fund a project that will redevelop southern Clarinda Street with footpath upgrades, updated lighting, modern street furniture and a new multi-use function centre to be constructed.
The Bega Valley Shire Council also received a $1.6 million grant from the fund to improve the connectivity to and from the Port of Eden by providing a dedicated freight route around the edge of the CBD.
Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the projects would ensure regional and remote communities had the right infrastructure to unlock economic potential, create jobs, and transform regions.
“Successful round two projects will build community pride through reinvigorating town centres and facilities, increase tourism with upgrades to airports and popular regional attractions and boost local economies through the thousands of new jobs to be created once the projects are complete,” Dr McVeigh said.
He said a further $200 million was committed in the 2018 budget to deliver a third round of the Building Better Regions Fund, to ensure even more communities can benefit from the commitment to regional and remote Australia.
Applications for the third round of funding are expected to open in the coming months.
The full list of successful round two projects can be found here.
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