Backing our Regions

The 2020-21 Budget continues to build a strong regional Australia and includes a number of measures that respond to the unique way regions have been impacted by the events of 2020.

This Budget ensures regions which are seeing strong population growth have the services and jobs they need, that regions in transition are supported to adapt to new circumstances and build resilience, and investments for all communities to make sure they continue to be great places to work and live.

Funding will flow directly to support stronger, more resilient regions through the following initiatives:

• An additional $200 million to extend the successful Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) for a fifth round, including:
• $100 million available across regional Australia for community priorities
• $100 million dedicated for tourism infrastructure in regions significantly affected by the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism industry.
• $100 million to fund Regional Recovery Partnerships, which will coordinate investments in ten identified priority regions with other levels of government to support recovery and growth.
• $41 million for a Research and Development Program to continue the Government’s regional decentralisation agenda, by funding research and development activities that will benefit regional industries.
• An additional $30.3 million for the Regional Connectivity Program to support telecommunications projects developed by local communities and providers to benefit regions. This will boost overall funding to $83 million, to support faster internet speeds outside the National Broadband Network fixed-line footprint.
• An additional $28.1 million to extend the Stronger Communities Program, which provides grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 across the country to community organisations and local governments for small capital projects that deliver social benefits for local communities.
• $5.7 million in a new Building Stronger, Resilient Regional Leaders initiative.
• $5 million for the Regional Australia Institute’s research program and promotion of regional living.

Select links to view further media releases regarding the 2020/21 Budget:

Securing and uniting Australia as part of the governments economic recovery plan

2020-21 Budget – Manufacturing Australia’s future

Guaranteeing essential services

Rebuilding the economy and securing Australia’s future

Tax relief to back hard-working Australians and to create more jobs

Economic recovery plan for Australia

Budget 2020: Building 21st century water infrastructure

Trade, Tourism and Investment critical economic recovery and jobs

$2.47B to lock in lower energy prices, reduce emissions and boost our economy

Infrastructure investments laying the foundations for Australia’s eonomic recovery

Budget  2020-21 – Protecting and preserving Australia’s environment

Budget 2020-21 – Backing our farmers, supporting disaster recovery and protecting Australians

Providing the Skills Australians Need to Get a Job

Federal Budget prioritises small business owners’ mental health