Regional Infrastructure Fund

The objectives of the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) are:

• To create and retain jobs in regional areas 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, towns or regions.
• To increase economic and social benefits through investment in strategic and public enabling infrastructure.

Projects funded through the Regional Infrastructure Fund will support the implementation of the Regional Economic Development Strategies (REDS) and the longer-term outcomes of:

• an enhanced visitor economy (e.g. cultural, food, natural assets)
• improved infrastructure for growth sectors (e.g. health, energy, education)
• increased liveability to support population growth and/or retention
• jobs growth and improved workforce supply
• more resilience to pandemics, economic transition, and natural disasters.

Funded activity should show alignment to the relevant Regional Economic Development Strategy.

Funding requests will be considered between $20,000 and $3 million excluding GST. Lower grant amounts than requested may be offered to a successful applicant.

In determining funding, previous Victorian Government contributions from all sources may be taken into consideration.

To receive a grant through the Regional Infrastucture Fund (RIF), a project must have funding from other sources beyond the requested grant amount. Applications must show co-contribution funding as per the required funding ratio outlined in the Program Guidelines.

The Regional Infrastructure Fund will support enabling and transformative infrastructure projects that:

• are strategic and align with the relevant Regional Economic Development Strategy and RJIF objectives and, where appropriate, other current and relevant government (local, state or federal) economic and placed-based plans and strategies
• respond to and addresses opportunities and challenges relevant to an identified region or place
• make a clear case for the impact of the project and its identified economic and community benefits, at the local and regional level, and/or for the state or an industry
• are sustainable over the longer term, show demand for use and have no fundamental risks or constraints to the project’s viability (e.g. labour supply, transportation requirement etc.)
• have an evidence base showing demand for the project, demonstrate that consultation has been undertaken, and there is appropriate stakeholder support, whether that be community, local government, or local industry
• are well planned with well mapped project implementation planning, have identified other funding sources, and have a clear timeline for project development and use.
• can demonstrate that all relevant approvals and permits required to commence the project can be obtained within the proposed delivery time frame.

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
• 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
• requests for retrospective funding, where projects have been completed or have started construction prior to receiving funding approval
• projects that are only purchasing plant and equipment
• purchase of land
• ongoing operating costs or salary subsidies
• application development expenses.

Applications for 2022-23 funding closed at 11.59pm 17 August 2022.

Application eligibility

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

Who can apply

Applicants must have an Australian Business Number (ABN).

Applications will be considered from the following legal entities:

• Local Government Authorities
• Alpine Resorts Management Boards
• Aboriginal organisations
• 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 a:
  • cooperative or association
  • social enterprise organisation
• TAFE institutions and universities
• public/private partnerships, through an incorporated entity
• other organisations agreed by Regional Development Victoria at its discretion.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the Program Guidelines to confirm eligibility. A list of frequently asked questions have also been developed to assist with your application.

Applications should clearly describe the activity and proposed project and address the assessment criteria in the Program Guidelines.

Eligible applications will be assessed against response to the assessment criteria as well as supporting documents.

Applications for 2022-23 funding closed at 11.59pm 17 August 2022.

This table includes projects funded under the previous program streams:

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

Learn more about our newly announced Regional Infrastructure Fund and Investment Fast-Track Fund projects.