Even better regions on the way with funding for 330 new regional projects

Regional communitiesthroughout Australia will benefit from 330 new infrastructure projects andcommunity initiatives, as part of a $204.3 million investment under Round 3 ofthe Federal Liberal and Nationals Government's highly successful BuildingBetter Regions Fund (BBRF).

Deputy Prime Ministerand Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development MichaelMcCormack said the Government's investment will help ensure regional Australiaremains a great place to live, work and raise a family.

"We have seen fantasticoutcomes from the first two rounds of the BBRF and today's announcementcontinues that trend with the funding for important infrastructure projectssuch as the new Rockhampton Art Gallery and the development of the ArmstrongVillage Integrated Aged Care Complex in Dunsborough," Mr McCormack said.

"These infrastructureprojects will be delivered along with community-building initiatives such asthe 2020 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup in Shepparton and the Naracoorte WorldHeritage Festival and Fun Run.

"These projects willhelp build local economies and drive job creation, with more than 13,000 jobsto be supported throughout regional Australia, delivering career pathways andenabling people to stay in the communities they grew up in.

"It is projects suchas these that ensure our regions remain strong, resilient and prosperous in thelong term and I look forward to seeing these high-quality projects transformtheir local towns and communities and unlock regional Australia's economicpotential."

Minister for Trade, Tourism andInvestment Simon Birmingham said this round will provide more than $70 millionfor building tourism infrastructure in regional Australia, providing a hugeboost to the many regional economies that rely on tourism.

"Tourism is such a vital industry for many regional areas with forty-threecents in every tourism dollar now spent in regional Australia," Mr Birminghamsaid.

"Tourism infrastructure projects such as the completion of the Great ValleyTrail between Bright and Harrietville and the new Australian Opal Centre inLightning Ridge received funding in this round, enabling these communities toseize tourism opportunities and take full advantage of everything their regionshave to offer.

"We promised this fund would support at least $45 million in tourisminfrastructure projects but thanks to the high calibre of those who applied weare dramatically exceeding this, with tourism infrastructure across Australiareceiving a $70 million boost.

"Through the BBRF, the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is continuingits long-standing commitment to regional Australia by making vital localprojects a reality, creating more jobs and driving economic development acrossour regional communities."

For a full list ofsuccessful projects, please visit www.business.gov.au/bbrf.