Local communities have leapt on the Coalition Government’s $272 million Regional Growth Fund, with more than 300 Initial Applications submitted from around the country.

Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said he was pleased to see such strong interest, with each of the applicants proposing innovative ways to boost regional economies and encourage employment opportunities across the country.

“Whether it is in the tourism, manufacturing or primary industries, regional communities have shown their ability to ‘think big’, putting forward a range of applications that will revitalise local economies, which is great to see,” Dr McVeigh said.

“We have seen more than 300 applications covering a fascinating range of big ideas and visionary concepts for regional Australia.”

Dr McVeigh said the Fund will deliver positive long-term impacts, including more resilient communities, to residents by investing in projects that are at least $20 million in value.

“Each project will be a significant job creator in its own right and I am keen to see how the collective contribution of these projects will drive future employment opportunities in regional Australia,” he said.

The Coalition Government will provide a minimum of $10 million toward each project.

Applications are currently being assessed, with successful Initial Applications to be announced in the second half of 2018.

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