Private Sector Business Enablement Fund
Supporting public infrastructure projects that activate private sector investment in the Shipwreck Coast - Great Ocean Road region.
Overview

The Private Sector Business Enablement Fund (PSBEF) is a $23.4 million initiative that forms part of the Geelong City Deal’s Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment Project. The Australian Government is working in partnership with the Victorian Government Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions via Regional and Suburban and Development (RSD), to jointly deliver this program.
The PSBEF looks to support public infrastructure projects in the Shipwreck Coast - Great Ocean Road region that will activate significant private sector investment in the region.
This includes:
- Strategic headwork services including potable water and sewer services;
- Infrastructure upgrades for roads, power, bridges and communications throughout the Shipwreck Coast - Great Ocean Road region
- Digital connectivity infrastructure within the region, including new and upgraded mobile coverage; and
- Site and project constraints.
Objectives of Program
The key principles of the Private Sector Business Enablement Fund are to:
- Enable and accelerate public and/or private sector investment for infrastructure.
- Deliver infrastructure located in the Shipwreck Coast precinct (Round 1) and Great Ocean Road region (Round 2).
- Deliver infrastructure that aligns directly to enhancing the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan outcomes, where relevant.
- Leverage funding for projects in advanced stages of planning and approvals, where funding contributions and finances have been secured to ensure delivery of infrastructure in the Shipwreck Coast Precinct (Round 1) and the Great Ocean Road region (Round 2).
- Deliver value for money in improving the visitor experience and improving the visitor economy yield for the region (such as through longer/overnight stays).
Funding Details
Round 1 – closed
Round 1 was targeted to the Shipwreck Coast region in 2021, with $15.66 million allocated for four projects.
- Princetown Enabling Public Works – upgrades to Old Coach Road, construction of a replacement bridge and new trails, providing improved public access to the Princetown Recreation Reserve and enabling infrastructure for a proposed eco-lodge facility, Princetown Eco Stay.
- Kangaroobie Camp – upgrades to wastewater treatment to support expansion of facilities, complete late 2022
- Great Ocean Road Retreat, Peterborough – power upgrade and telecommunications and road infrastructure to support an accommodation investment
- 12 Apostles Hot Springs Resort – enabling infrastructure including wastewater, storm water, portable water, and road infrastructure to support the Hot Springs resort accommodation investment.
Round 2 – closed
Applications for Round 2 were sought with $7 million funding available for eligible projects.
Assessment is underway.
Program funding
The Australian and Victorian Governments are funding the $108.15 million Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment Project through the Geelong City Deal. The funding includes:
- $84.75 million for priority projects in the Shipwreck Coast region
- a $23.4 million Private Sector Business Enablement Fund.
This project is part of the $500 million Geelong City Deal, a collaborative plan to transform Geelong and the Great Ocean Road by the Australian and Victorian Governments and local council.
Contact details
Geelong Regional Business Centre
Level 2, Harrison Place
237 Ryrie Street
Geelong VIC 3220
Phone: 1800 950 145