Federal Member for Canning Andrew Hastie has urged organisations to apply for Round Two of the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), with applications now open for funding to support further job creation and economic growth in regional and rural Australia.

Mr Hastie said the Peel region had already benefitted from Round One, with $3 million delivered towards the Shire of Murray’s Dwellingup Trails Hub and Quambie Park’s Waroona Housing Options Village.

“The Shires of Murray and Waroona put considerable effort into their submissions, and it’s great to see the Peel region will benefit as a result of their advocacy.

“Job creation is a priority, and this program will bring local jobs for local residents. It will deliver jobs in construction, tourism and health care, and boost local businesses,” said the Member for Canning. 

Andrew Hastie also said he was pleased to note that more rural towns in the Peel region are eligible in Round Two.

“This decision recognises the rural character of the Peel region. While we have urban areas, particularly in the City of Mandurah, we are largely a rural region. This fund is designed to build economic growth in rural parts of Australia,” said Mr Hastie.

“The Shire of Murray will now be able to include projects in towns such as Coolup, Nambeelup, Pinjarra, Fairbridge and North Dandalup. The City of Mandurah has also benefited with rural areas such as Parklands, Clifton and Herron now included in the eligible area.

“The City of Mandurah can apply for funding for projects in high-density urban areas that are ineligible, so long as they demonstrate that the project will benefit the Peel region,” he said. 

“I’ve already met with the Shires of Murray and Serpentine-Jarrahdale to discuss their priority projects, so now is the time to make these ideas a reality. With submissions closing on 19 December 2017 for both streams, I encourage all eligible organisations to get their application in,” said Mr Hastie.

Acting Minister for Regional Development Darren Chester said BBRF was designed to back projects that create further investment in the community. 

“Applicants should demonstrate how their project will drive economic development, make their region a more attractive place to live and foster partnerships across their community,” Mr Chester said.

“Infrastructure investment, and planning and capability building are significant to improving outcomes in a community. A clearly articulated regional aged care strategy, for instance, can have as big an impact on residents as building a new aged care facility in a single town”.

“When combined, both streams will encourage job creation, economic growth, and encourage social cohesion across Australia”

For more information on the Fund, or to submit an application, visit https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/building-better-regions-fund