Federal Government commits $125M to tourism focussed infrastructure

Aerial view of Blairgowrie VIC, Australia. Photo by Pat Whelen on Unsplash

The Federal Government has committed to spending $125 in co-investment on 81 shovel-ready tourism-specific infrastructure upgrades across the country, under round five of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

This brings the Federal Government’s total commitment to the program to $300 million, $100 million on top of the $200 million initially announced 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 five is focused on supporting regional tourism as part of the government’s economic recovery plan.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the government was working to ensure regional Australia remained strong well into the future.

“Funding the infrastructure and services that regional and remote communities need for the future will help them rebound strongly from the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“That’s why we’ve committed an extra $100 million to take our total investment to $300 million under round five 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,” the Minister added.

The Parham short stay facility in Adelaide, the Igniting Kingscote Through Art on Kangaroo Island, the Smithfield Mountain Bike Park in Queensland, Cobram Barooga Golf Club in New South Wales and Cowes Cultural and Community Centre in Victoria are among successful regional tourism focussed projects funded under the grant’s round five.

Other projects funded under round five 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.