The Australian Government's new $600 million Growing Regions Program will provide grants of between $500,000 and $15 million to local government entities and not-for-profit organisations, for capital works projects that deliver community and economic infrastructure projects across regional and rural Australia.

The program guidelines* are now available for eligible applicants to start preparing Expressions of Interest. Further information on the application process, including application forms, will be provided when Round 1 opens on 5 July 2023.

There will be a two-stage application process. Under Stage One, applicants will be required to submit Expressions of Interest which will be assessed to ensure projects meet eligibility requirements, project readiness and program suitability, and are aligned with regional priorities for the area.

Expressions of Interest that are assessed as meeting requirements and approved to proceed will be invited to submit a full application (Stage Two).

*Please note when accessing the guidelines, the mapping tool is undergoing testing and is not yet accessible. The link is expected to be available by the end of the week. Further advice will be provided when available.