Regional Infrastructure Fund

The objectives of the RIF R2 are:

• to create and retain jobs and support regional economies and communities, including transition, diversification, and recovery efforts
• to increase economic and social benefits through improved community access and usability of precincts, town, or region
• to increase economic and social benefits through investment in strategic and public enabling infrastructure.

Funding requests will be considered between $20,000 and $3 million excluding GST.

Consideration may be given for projects deemed to be outstanding by the Victorian Government to access a grant of up to $5 million. These projects would need to clearly demonstrate significant leveraging of funding co‑contributions above the nominated funding ratios and/or deliver significant regional or cross regional benefits/transformative outcomes.

Infrastructure projects seeking funding will need to demonstrate how they will achieve one or more of the following:

• improve the economic performance, potential and outcomes of a precinct, town, or region
• improve business, transport, retail, education, social, cultural, industry or community linkages
• provide multi-purpose infrastructure, suitable and accessible for a wide range of business and community groups such as business hubs, co- working spaces, community, and event and visitor facilities
• support cultural initiatives of economic significance to the region such as renewal of buildings and sites, arts and cultural centres or resource facilities.

Projects seeking funding will need to demonstrate how they will:

• improve economic performance and growth (e.g. this may include supporting social procurement outcomes and/or for relevant projects supporting the objectives of the Growing Regional Opportunities for Work initiative)
• create and capture value by harnessing key regional strengths such as social, environmental, or economic assets, capital, or specialisations
• enhance the social and/or economic resilience and competitiveness of the location
• support economic transition, diversification, and recovery
• align with state and regional priorities (i.e. Regional Partnership priority, or Regional, State or National or Council-endorsed plan or strategy)
• maximise the value for money to the state including leveraging investment or funding from other sources
• demonstrate long term feasibility and viability (e.g. via feasibility studies and/or business cases) that will sustain positive impacts.

Funding will be provided for projects that:

• improve the economic performance, potential and outcomes of a precinct, town, or region
• improve business, transport, retail, education, social, cultural, industry or community linkages
• provide multi-purpose infrastructure, suitable and accessible for a wide range of business and community groups such as business hubs, co- working spaces, community, and event and visitor facilities
• support cultural initiatives of economic significance to the region such as renewal of buildings and sites, arts and cultural centres or resource facilities.

The following activities will not be considered:

• early-stage project planning
• project planning for infrastructure projects such as a feasibility study, a demand study, or a business case to enable prospective applicants to investigate the technical and or economic viability of an infrastructure project (design and construct projects may be considered)
• local strategic planning including economic development strategies and plans for future growth and infrastructure needs
• requests for retrospective funding, where projects have been completed or have started construction prior to receiving funding approval
• ongoing operating costs or salary subsidies
• private sector projects undertaken as a result of a government contract
• projects where funding is normally provided by other state, Commonwealth or local government sources
• projects requiring ongoing funding from the Victorian Government when completed
• activities that are considered Local Government Authority core business
• projects that are only purchasing plant and equipment
• purchase of land.

Application eligibility

Projects delivered within the following locations can apply for funding, in accordance with relevant program eligibility criteria.

Applications will be considered for projects from the following incorporated entities, individuals are not eligible to apply:

• Local Government Authorities
• Alpine Resorts Management Boards
• business and industry groups including:
• chambers of commerce and business associations
• industry peak bodies
• business and industry clusters and networks
• incorporated not-for-profit organisations, including community groups that are
• cooperatives or associations
• social enterprise organisations

Councils can also sponsor (auspice) projects on behalf of the business and industry groups including:

• chambers of commerce and business associations
• industry peak bodies
• business and industry clusters and networks
• incorporated not-for-profit organisations and community groups that have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or can provide written advice from the Australian Tax Office that no withholding tax is required from the grant payment.

The Regional Infrastructure Fund Round Two is an open competitive round.

Please contact your local RDV office to discuss your project and possible funding opportunities.

Please note: RIF R2 Application Guidelines will be available soon.

This table includes projects funded under the previous program streams:

• Enabling Infrastructure
• Productive and Liveable Cities and Centres
• Rural Development
• Visitor Economy