Regional Infrastructure Fund
The Regional Infrastructure Fund seeks to assist the growth of rural Victoria by providing grants for infrastructure projects that have the potential to stimulate economic activity in Regional Victoria.
Overview

The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) seeks to assist the growth of rural Victoria by providing grants for infrastructure projects that have the potential to stimulate economic activity in Regional Victoria.

Forrest mountain bike revitalisation project
Mountain bike enthusiasts will have new tracks and trails in Forrest thanks to funding from the Victorian Government that will rejuvenate existing tracks and establish new world-class tracks.
View Success StoryObjectives of Program
The objectives of the RIF are:
- to increase economic and social benefits through improved community access and usability of precincts
- to increase economic and social benefits through investment in strategic infrastructure.
Funding Details
The RIF will comprise a single competitive round in the 2019/20 financial year.
The round will open on 6 November 2019 and close on 18 December 2019. Successful applications are expected to be announced in late-January 2020.
Funding available will be capped at $500,000 per project.
Maximum funding ratios are:
Applicant | Maximum funding ratios for co-contributions |
---|---|
Regional City | Up to RDV $1 : $1 other |
Large Rural Council | Up to RDV $2 : $1 other |
Small Rural Council or Alpine Resort | Up to RDV $3 : $1 other |
Projects seeking funding will need to demonstrate how they will:
- improve economic performance and growth
- 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
- 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 that will sustain positive impacts
- be delivered within two years of receiving funding approval.
Funding will be provided for projects that:
- improve the economic performance of a precinct
- 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 facilities
- support cultural initiatives of economic significance to the region such as renewal of buildings and sites, arts and cultural centres or resource facilities.
Application Process
To ensure the suitability of projects all applicants will need to go through the following process.
Step 1: Prior to application
Prior to submitting a formal application, applicants are advised to:
- read these Application Guidelines to establish eligibility
- discuss the proposed project with your local RDV representative
- read the terms and conditions for the funding offered
- express interest in applying for financial assistance by preparing a short description of the project, including the magnitude of the investment and jobs to be retained and created through the project.
Step 2: Prepare an application
If the initial assessment is successful, the applicant will be invited to apply for program funding and
an online link to an application form will be sent to the applicant.
Applicants should use the online application
form to clearly and succinctly describe the project by detailing:
- the challenge or opportunity it is looking to address;
- the objectives of the project;
- the desired outcomes;
- the outputs to be delivered; and
- any resource requirements.
Applicants should address the assessment criteria of the RIF program and provide the supporting documents required by the application form.
Applicants should submit the following documents where required with the application.
All applications must provide:
- a response to the assessment criteria
- completed project plan, including consideration of key risks
- cost estimates/quotes
- letters of support, as appropriate
- evidence confirming funding sources
- evidence of land ownership/tenure
As required, applications should also include:
- a joint use agreement or a completed notification of intent to enter into a joint use agreement form, including a letter of endorsement from the relevant agency
- copy of completed Cultural Heritage Management Plan, Vegetation Assessments, Environmental Management Plans, etc. as appropriate or evidence that these types of plans are not required
- evidence that relevant approvals to commence the project have been obtained, such as Planning Permit, Heritage Victoria Permit, etc.
- schematic plans for the project.
For grants over $300,000, also provide:
- quantity surveyor’s estimate
- construction plans for the project (desirable).
Where the applicant proposes to enter the funding agreement on behalf of a supported organisation the application must include written confirmation from the supported organisation that they have reviewed the application and agree to its content and that the project will be delivered by the applicant on their behalf.
Step 3: Assessment process
Applications will undergo a two-stage assessment process.
- Determining the proposed project’s eligibility. This will be done by assessing the project’s ability to meet the assessment criteria outlined in Step 2. This stage will also consider key risks and issues associated with the project.
- Eligible applications will be considered by the Assessment Panel against the assessment criteria.
The Assessment Panel will make a recommendation to the Minister for Regional Development.
The Assessment Panel is chaired by RDV and includes representatives from the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, the Department of Treasury and Finance and the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Where relevant, comments and advice will be sought from other Victorian government departments and agencies.
Step 1
Review the RIF Application Guidelines and application guidelines
Step 2
Contact your local RDV office to discuss eligibility
Step 3
Complete the funding application and submit with associated documentation
Download Resources
Projects funded by this program
This table includes projects funded under the previous program streams:
- Enabling Infrastructure
- Productive and Liveable Cities and Centres
- Rural Development
- Visitor Economy
Project Name | Region | Year | Amount Funded |
---|---|---|---|
Bendigo Airport Upgrade (Stage 2) | Loddon Campaspe | 2012 | $4,700,000 |
Ararat Arts Precinct Redevelopment | Central Highlands | 2015 | $5,200,000 |
Loddon Council: Wedderburn Streetscape Improvement Project | Loddon Campaspe | 2015 | $1,490,000 |
Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) Stage 2 - Ryrie Street Redevelopment Project | Barwon | 2015 | $30,000,000 |
Mangalore Airport Expansion | Goulburn | 2016 | $327,450 |
Mildura Airport (YMIA) Runway 09-27 Extension Project | Mallee | 2016 | $5,000,211 |
Buloke Council: Charlton Park 2020 Multi-Purpose Facility Development | Mallee | 2017 | $1,100,000 |
Wangaratta Council: Wangaratta Livestock Exchange Redevelopment | Ovens Murray | 2015 | $500,000 |
Strathbogie Council: Euroa Saleyards Redevelopment Stage 2 | Goulburn | 2016 | $500,000 |
Glenelg Council: Henty Employment Precinct Infrastructure Upgrade | Great South Coast | 2017 | $1,500,000 |
Towong Council: Corryong Airport Precinct Development | Ovens Murray | 2016 | $532,399 |
Eureka Stadium and Sports Infrastructure - CE Brown Reserve Upgrade | Central Highlands | 2015 | $2,500,000 |
Ballarat Council: Eureka Stadium and Sports Infrastructure - Eureka Stadium Upgrade | Central Highlands | 2015 | $21,976,000 |
Ballarat Council: Eureka Stadium and Sports Infrastructure - Ballarat Sports and Events Centre component | Central Highlands | 2016 | $9,000,000 |
Horsham Council: May Park Revitalisation Project | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2016 | $312,000 |
Horsham Council: Horsham North Hub | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2016 | $1,000,000 |
Latrobe City Council: Latrobe Creative Precinct | Gippsland | 2016 | $10,000,000 |
Warrnambool City Centre Renewal | Great South Coast | 2016 | $5,000,000 |
Ballarat Station Precinct Redevelopment | Central Highlands | 2016 | $25,480,000 |
Geelong Council: Leopold Community Hub Stage 2 Project | Barwon | 2017 | $3,000,000 |
Mitchell Council: Wallan Town Centre Redevelopment Project | Goulburn | 2017 | $1,500,000 |
Buloke Council: Donald Multipurpose Community Facility Redevelopment | Mallee | 2017 | $1,000,000 |
Buloke Council: Major Towns Central Business Precinct Master Plan Project | Mallee | 2015 | $26,600 |
Buloke Council: Donald Archives Museum Facility Upgrade | Mallee | 2015 | $33,750 |
Buloke Council: Foletti Park Upgrade | Mallee | 2015 | $65,250 |
Benalla Airport Redevelopment | Ovens Murray | 2016 | $500,000 |
West Wimmera Council: Kaniva Community Hub | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2016 | $495,000 |
Tourism North East: Enhancements to Murray to Mountains Rail Trail | Ovens Murray | 2016 | $50,000 |
Hepburn Council: Access for (h)all - Glenlyon Hall | Central Highlands | 2016 | $300,000 |
Northern Grampians Council: St Arnaud Streetscape Stage 6 | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2016 | $300,000 |
Corangamite Council: Timboon Streetscape | Great South Coast | 2016 | $400,000 |
Ararat Council: Moyston Hall Redevelopment | Central Highlands | 2016 | $330,000 |
Gannawarra Council: Renewal and Revitalisation of the Kerang Business Precinct | Mallee | 2016 | $500,000 |
Hindmarsh Council: Riverside Holiday Park - Dimboola | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2016 | $320,000 |
Pyrenees Council: “Living Landsborough”- Landsborough Community Precinct | Central Highlands | 2016 | $330,000 |
Northern Grampians Council: Lake Fyans South Bank Upgrade | Barwon | 2016 | $187,500 |
Swan Hill Council: Boosting Boundary Bend Project | Mallee | 2016 | $75,000 |
Swan Hill Council: Catalina Park Activation | Mallee | 2016 | $297,000 |
Central Goldfields Council: Maryborough Princes Park Enhancement | Loddon Campaspe | 2016 | $366,666 |
Macedon Ranges Council: Gisborne Retail Precinct Rejuvenation | Loddon Campaspe | 2016 | $200,000 |
Moyne Council: Mortlake Streetscape Stage 2 | Great South Coast | 2016 | $300,000 |
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee: Point Grey Precinct Redevelopment Business Case | Barwon | 2016 | $40,000 |
Loddon Council: Bridgewater-on-Loddon River Precinct Upgrade | Loddon Campaspe | 2016 | $300,000 |
Swan Hill Council: Swan Hill River Walk Enhancement Stage 2 | Mallee | 2016 | $256,500 |
Telephone Box Junction Hub Development Mt Stirling | Ovens Murray | 2016 | $210,000 |
Castlemaine State Festival Ltd: Castlemaine Goods Shed Business Case and Design Study | Loddon Campaspe | 2016 | $19,200 |
Strathbogie Council: Avenel Hall Upgrade | Goulburn | 2016 | $300,000 |
Alpine Better Places – Economic Rejuvenation for Bright | Ovens Murray | 2016 | $500,000 |
Buloke Council: Advancing Intensive Agricultural Opportunities in the Loddon Mallee Region | Mallee | 2017 | $50,000 |
Alpine Better Places - Economic Rejuvenation for Porepunkah | Ovens Murray | 2017 | $500,000 |
Victorian Goldfields Railway Service Reorientation - Business Case and Design (Stage 1) | Loddon Campaspe | 2017 | $35,000 |
Indigo Council: Chiltern Town Centre and Connectivity | Ovens Murray | 2017 | $200,000 |
Macedon Ranges Council: Kyneton – Campaspe River Trail Improvement and Connections Project | Loddon Campaspe | 2017 | $300,000 |
Wellington Council: Loch Sport Foreshore Redevelopment | Gippsland | 2017 | $175,000 |
Pyrenees Council: Moonambel Water Supply Concept Design | Central Highlands | 2017 | $50,000 |
Macedon Ranges Council: Romsey Streetscape and Access Project | Loddon Campaspe | 2017 | $400,000 |
Yarriambiack Council: Woomelang Shopping Precinct Upgrade | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2017 | $100,000 |
Towong Council: The Great River Road | Ovens Murray | 2017 | $330,000 |
Sovereign Hill Museums Ass'n: Sovereign Hill By Day and By Night: Driving Regional Tourism Dispersal | Central Highlands | 2015 | $8,000,000 |
Benalla Auto Club Inc: Winton Motor Raceway On Track For The Future | Ovens Murray | 2015 | $1,000,000 |
Shepparton Council: Shepparton Art Museum | Goulburn | 2016 | $10,000,000 |
Baw Baw Council: West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul: Redevelopment and Seating Capacity Expansion Project | Gippsland | 2016 | $4,000,000 |
Royal Geelong Yacht Club Inc: Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct Public Access and Infrastructure Development | Barwon | 2016 | $2,000,000 |
Parks Victoria: Grampians Peaks Trail - Stage 2 | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2016 | $20,200,000 |
DELWP: Harcourt Mountain Bike Park | Loddon Campaspe | 2016 | $1,990,000 |
Mitchell Council: State Motor Sports Complex at Broadford - Stage 2 Feasibility Study for expansion | Goulburn | 2016 | $1,490,000 |
Yarriambiack Council: Minyip and Brim Streetscape and Travellers Rest Upgrade | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2015 | $130,500 |
Wimmera Development Association: Strategic Plan 2016-2020 | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2016 | $23,000 |
Wheatlands Warracknabeal Agricultural Machinery Museum Redevelopment | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2015 | $100,000 |
Yarriambiack Council: Walking Tracks Construction | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2015 | $112,200 |
Hepburn Council: Resurrection of Lake Daylesford | Central Highlands | 2016 | $250,000 |
Pyrenees Council: Sustainable Community Hubs | Central Highlands | 2018 | $230,000 |
Hepburn Council: East Street Heavy Vehicle Access Improvements | Central Highlands | 2017 | $400,000 |
West Wimmera Council: Lake Charlegrark Precinct Development | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2018 | $200,000 |
Campaspe Council: Rochester Market Reserve Project | Loddon Campaspe | 2018 | $151,000 |
Ararat Council: Ararat Freight and Logistics Study | Central Highlands | 2016 | $95,671 |
Bass Coast Shire Council: Revitalisation of the Cowes Precinct - Delivering on the Phillip Island Vision for the Future | Gippsland | 2017 | $1,800,000 |
Borough of Queenscliffe: Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve Stage 1 | Barwon | 2017 | $500,000 |
Ararat Council: Ararat On the Move - Alexandra Oval Redevelopment - Event & Visitor Space | Central Highlands | 2018 | $500,000 |
Castlemaine State Festival Ltd: Castlemaine Goods Shed: Creative Industries Hub | Central Highlands | 2018 | $500,000 |
Victorian Rail Track: Bendigo Tramways Development | Loddon Campaspe | 2019 | $416,800 |
Moira Council: Cobram Revitalisation and Liveability | Goulburn | 2019 | $500,000 |
Towong Council: Upper Murray Events Centre | Ovens Murray | 2019 | $800,000 |
Warrnambool Council: Reid Oval Redevelopment | Great South Coast | 2019 | $2,000,000 |
Ballarat Council: Eureka Stadium and Sports Infrastructure - Relocation of Ballarat Showgrounds | Central Highlands | 2018 | $5,000,000 |
Queenscliffe Council: Queenscliffe Hub | Barwon | 2018 | $2,550,000 |
Blackwood Crown Reserve Committee of Management: Blackwood Hall Upgrade | Central Highlands | 2016 | $50,000 |
Borough of Queenscliffe: Economic Development Strategy for the Borough of Queenscliffe | Barwon | 2016 | $40,000 |
Colac Otway Council: Stage One Forrest Mountain Bike Revitalisation Project | Barwon | 2020 | $500,000 |
Surf Coast Council: Connecting Torquay's Town Centre | Barwon | 2020 | $500,000 |
Hepburn Council: Daylesford Aquatic and Civic Plaza Precinct | Barwon | 2020 | $500,000 |
Central Goldfields Council: Central Goldfields Art Gallery Revitalisation Phase 1 | Central Highlands | 2020 | $500,000 |
Golden Plains Council: Three Trails Project | Central Highlands | 2020 | $500,000 |
Moorabool Council: The Bacchus Marsh 1000+ | Central Highlands | 2020 | $500,000 |
Baw Baw Council: Rawson Skate Park and RV Park | Gippsland | 2020 | $322,782 |
East Gippsland Council: Bairnsdale South Industrial Estate Water Augmentation Project | Gippsland | 2020 | $500,000 |
South Gippsland Council: Great Southern Rail Trail Extension (Leongatha to Korumburra) | Gippsland | 2020 | $500,000 |
Mitchell Council: Kilmore Township Sydney Road North Rejuvenation | Goulburn | 2020 | $500,000 |
Shepparton Council: Linking Yanha Gurtji - RiverConnect | Goulburn | 2020 | $500,000 |
Ararat Council: Ararat East Development Zone Road Realignment Integrated Planning Strategy | Central Highlands | 2020 | $500,000 |
Corangamite Council: Timboon Town Centre Activation | Great South Coast | 2020 | $300,000 |
Glenelg Council: Portland Bay Marina Extension | Great South Coast | 2020 | $500,000 |
Moyne Council: Garvoc Community Hub | Great South Coast | 2020 | $400,000 |
Southern Grampians Council: The Dunkeld Visitor Hub and Grampians Peaks Trailhead | Great South Coast | 2020 | $500,000 |
Benalla Council: Visitors, Cinema, History - Co-location in Benalla | Ovens Murray | 2020 | $500,000 |
Buloke Council: Brightening Broadway (Wycheproof) | Mallee | 2020 | $450,000 |
Gannawarra Council: Koondrook All Abilities Play Facility | Mallee | 2020 | $390,000 |
Mildura Council: Mildura Riverfront Powerhouse Redevelopment | Mallee | 2020 | $500,000 |
Swan Hill Council: Vibrant Villages | Mallee | 2020 | $500,000 |
Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board: Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park Stage 5 | Ovens Murray | 2020 | $500,000 |
Indigo Council: Beechworth Precinct Renewal - Courthouse Kelly Trials Experience | Ovens Murray | 2020 | $500,000 |
Moira Council: Bringing Big Business to Small Towns | Ovens Murray | 2020 | $500,000 |
Towong Council: Tallangatta Holiday Park - Growing a Tourism Economy | Ovens Murray | 2020 | $500,000 |
Wangaratta Council: Regional Activity Precinct Riverside Park | Ovens Murray | 2020 | $500,000 |
Wodonga Council: Burraja Cultural and Environmental Centre redevelopment | Ovens Murray | 2020 | $430,000 |
Horsham Council: City to River Transformation Stage 1 - Wimmera Riverfront Activation | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2020 | $500,000 |
Northern Grampians Council: Stawell Housing Development | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2020 | $500,000 |
West Wimmera Council: Activating the Edenhope Community Centre - Aspirations for Paradise (Hopes for Eden) | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2020 | $333,000 |
Yarriambiack Council: Home Is Where the Hall Is | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2020 | $438,035 |
Northern Grampians Council: Halls Gap Activation - Stage 1 | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2018 | $100,000 |
University of Melbourne: Stawell Underground Physics Lab | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2019 | $500,000 |
South Gippsland Council: Redevelopment Main Street Foster | Gippsland | 2018 | $500,000 |
Golden Plains Council: Bannockburn Civic Heart Precinct - Stage 1 | Central Highlands | 2017 | $500,000 |
Northern Grampians Council: Stawell CBD Revitalisation | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2018 | $500,000 |
Southern Grampians Council: Hamilton CBD Liveability & Economic Revitalisation Project | Great South Coast | 2018 | $2,702,650 |
Wangaratta Council: Wangaratta Gateway Precinct Project | Ovens Murray | 2018 | $2,500,000 |
Wodonga Council: Wodonga Library and Gallery Redevelopment project | Ovens Murray | 2018 | $4,000,000 |
Northern Grampians Council: St Arnaud Civic Precinct Revitalisation - Stage 2 | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2018 | $200,000 |
Pyrenees Council: Activate Avoca - Stage 1 | Central Highlands | 2018 | $500,000 |
Yarriambiack Council: Rupanyup Community Retail Hub | Wimmera Southern Mallee | 2018 | $500,000 |
Moyne Council: Hawkesdale/Wangoom Halls Cluster Upgrade | Great South Coast | 2018 | $307,500 |
Moyne Council: Reardon Theatre Upgrade | Great South Coast | 2018 | $292,166 |
Worn Gundidj: Tower Hill Tourism Development | Great South Coast | 2017 | $92,062 |
Mitchell Council: Improving Liveability - Better Parks for Seymour | Goulburn | 2018 | $500,000 |
Murrindindi Council: Releasing the Floating City - Expanding the Houseboat Manufacturing Industry at Eildon | Goulburn | 2018 | $500,000 |
Surf Coast Council: Torquay CBD Strategic Investment Facilitation Project | Barwon | 2017 | $40,000 |
Moorabool Council: Business Case and Economic Analysis for Parwan Employment Precinct | Central Highlands | 2018 | $30,000 |
Wildlife Wonders Ltd: Ecotourism for economic development and environmental conservation | Barwon | 2018 | $1,500,000 |
Colac Otway Shire: Stage One Forrest Mountain Bike Revitalisation Project | Barwon | 2020 | $500,000 |
Mount Alexander Council: Small Town Streetscape Project | Loddon Campaspe | 2020 | $500,000 |
- This may not be a comprehensive listing of all announced funding through the Regional Infrastructure Fund
- CiC indicates the project funded amount is Commercial or Cabinet in Confidence