Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) – Infrastructure Projects Stream

This program seeks to support investment ready projects for new infrastructure, or the upgrade or extension of existing infrastructure, that provide economic and social benefits to regional and remote areas. It forms part of Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) which aims to support the Australian Government's commitment to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future.

Grants of between $20,000 and $10 million are available. Applicants are required to provide a co-contribution under the following circumstances:
- For projects classified as remote or very remote, the total government funding is up to 75% of total eligible project cost.
- For projects granted exceptional circumstances exempt from a cash contribution, the total government funding is up to 100% of total eligible project cost.
- All other classifications, the total government funding is up to 50% of total eligible project cost.

Round 5 will provide $100 million for tourism-related infrastructure projects under the Infrastructure Projects Stream, and a further $100 million for other projects under the Infrastructure Projects Stream and the Community Investments Stream combined, with the allocation of funding across these streams dependant on the volume and quality of applications.

Applicants can fund their contribution from any source including State, Territory and local government grants. The contribution must be cash.

A total funding pool of $1.04 billion over seven years from 2017-18 to 2023-24 for the Building Better Regions Fund (the program).

Eligible applicants must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be one of the following incorporated entities:
- An incorporated not for profit organisation. As a not for profit organisation they must demonstrate their not for profit status through one of the following:
a) Current Australian Charities and Not for profits Commission's (ACNC) Registration
b) State or Territory incorporated association status
c) Constitutional documents and/or Articles of Association that demonstrate the not for profit character of the organisation.
- An Australian local government agency or body as defined in appendix A of the grant opportunity Guidelines.
- Non-distributing co-operatives.

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete eligibility requirements.

Eligible projects must:
- Be aimed at the construction, upgrade or extension of infrastructure that provides economic and social benefits to regional and remote areas.
- Comprise one of the following activities:
a) The construction of new infrastructure
b) The upgrade to existing infrastructure
c) The extension of existing infrastructure
d) The replacement of infrastructure where there is a significant increase in benefit
- Not have started construction.

The project must not be located in an excluded area unless applicants can clearly demonstrate the significant benefits and employment outcomes, which flow directly into an eligible area.

Please refer to the Guidelines for the list of eligible expenditure.

The main assessment criteria include:
- Economic benefits of the project for the region (15 points)
- Social benefits of the project for the region (15 points)
- Capacity, capability and resources to deliver the project (5 points)
- Impact of grant funding on the project (5 points)

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete list of the assessment criteria.

The following are ineligible for funding:
- A for profit organisation.
- An individual, partnership or trust (however, an incorporated trustee may apply on behalf of a trust).
- A Commonwealth, State or Territory government agency or body (including government business enterprises).
- A university, technical college, school or hospital.
- Purchase of land or existing infrastructure, including the costs associated with sub-division of land.
- Repair or replacement of existing infrastructure where there is no demonstrated significant increase in benefit.
- Purchase and installation of manufacturing equipment.
- Purchase of unfixed furniture, such as desks and fridges.
- Ongoing operating costs, including utilities and staffing.

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete list of restrictions.