Round one of the Building Better Regions Fund has opened, and community groups and councils are eligible to apply for assistance.

Member for Hume Angus Taylor said groups should apply to create the types of regional communities which would encourage people to return to and stay in the area.

“The fund will give communities the opportunity to think outside the square and show us the types of investments they believe will strengthen their local community and create jobs,” he said.

“Flexible, creative thinking can be a winning formula to receive funding, provided clear objectives are mapped out that show benefits for the region.”

Applications will be assessed in three categories depending on the size of the project, so small community projects will not be competing against huge projects worth millions of dollars.

“We want to invest in local infrastructure, events and initiatives that we are passionate about and that we know will make a difference to our region,” Mr Taylor said.

There are two streams of funding available: 

Applications will close February 28 for the Infrastructure Projects Stream, and March 31 for the Community Investments Scheme.

The $297.7 million fund was created by the federal government to help create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities. To apply, visit www.business.gov.au/Assistance/Building-Better-Regions-Fund.