Building Better Regional Cities Program
About the Program
Applications for funding now closed
Applications under this Program's single application round closed on 18 November 2011. Projects approved for funding are expected to be announced in the first half of 2012. All Applicants will be contacted directly at that time to advise the outcomes of their applications.
The Department will periodically provide updates on its website about the status of the assessment process. Beyond this, the Department will not accept or respond to any further questions, or Applicant's requests for information or correspondence about the status or progress of their Application during the assessment phase.
Implementation & administration
The Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities is responsible for the management of the Building Better Regional Cities Program.
The Building Better Regional Cities (BBRC) Program is a $100 million funding commitment by the Australian Government to invest in local infrastructure projects that support new housing developments in regional cities. The awarding of funding under the Building Better Regional Cities Program is based on a competitive selection process.
The objectives of the BBRC Program are to invest in local infrastructure projects that support an increase in the number of homes for sale and rent that are affordable for working families on ordinary incomes, in communities that are experiencing positive jobs and population growth that need more homes to be built. This investment in regional centres may also help to relieve the pressure on major capital cities, so that Australia can grow sustainably.
Two main groups are set to benefit as a result of the Australian Government's contribution under the BBRC Program:
- working families on ordinary incomes (low to moderate income earners) living in regional centres who are suffering from cost of living pressures; and
- new residents who want to move into the area for jobs, who need homes.
Up to $15 million (GST Excl) will be provided for infrastructure in each successful regional city, for projects that support new infill or greenfield housing developments located within Eligible Regional Cities. This could be for one development or spread across several, depending on local demographic patterns and community preferences.
The types of infrastructure that can be funded under the BBRC Program include:
- Connecting or trunk infrastructure such as water and sewerage headworks, upgrades or extensions to drains and sewers (including the augmentation or replacement of existing infrastructure, where this is needed to support infill or greenfield housing developments), and connecting roads and bridges; and
- Community infrastructure such as parklands and open space; pedestrian and cycle paths; community centres, and recreation facilities.
Funding for the BBRC Program became available in the 2011-2012 Financial Year and ceases on 30 June 2014.
Application Guidelines
The Applications Guidelines are available for reference and can be downloaded here:
Next steps
Projects approved for funding are expected to be announced in the first half of 2012. The Department will directly contact all Applicants at that time to advise the outcomes of their Applications.
Where an Application is approved for funding, the Applicant will be required to enter into a Funding Agreement with the Australian Government within eight weeks after the announcement of successful projects, and prior to any payment of funds being made.
The Application Form required Applicants to identify whether or not they would be able to comply with the terms and conditions of the Draft Funding Agreement. If an Applicant amends its ability to comply with these terms and conditions after the offer for funding is made, then that offer for funding may be withdrawn.
Any offer of funding to an Applicant is conditional on the Applicant executing the Funding Agreement on terms acceptable to the Commonwealth. No contractual obligation and no right to any payment by the Commonwealth to any successful Applicant will arise unless and until a Funding Agreement has been duly signed by both the Commonwealth and the Applicant. Consequently, Applicants should be aware that, until such a Funding Agreement is duly signed, any action taken by an Applicant in relation to a project that is the subject of their Application is at their own risk.
Draft Funding Agreement
Download the Draft Funding Agreement.
Enquiries
Enquiries can be directed to the Building Better Regional Cities Team by email at bbrc@fahcsia.gov.au, or by phone on 1800 034 564.
Contacting us
For any enquiries regarding the Building Better Regional Cities Program
- Email: bbrc@fahcsia.gov.au
- Phone: 1800 034 564
