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.

Download Resources

Resource	Download
PSBEF Round 2 Guidelines (2.7 MB )	Download
PSBEF Round 2 Guidelines - web accessible (320.0 KB )	Download

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.

Australian and Victorian Government logos