Growing Regions eligibility explained
Local government councils and incorporated not-for-profit organisations can apply for Growing Regions Round 3, for projects outside Greater Capital City Statistical Areas. Other rules, such as co-funding and minimum spend, are confirmed only for Rounds 1 and 2 so far (checked 30 October 2026).
Who can apply for Growing Regions Round 3?
Local government councils and incorporated not-for-profit organisations. Round 1 also funded First Nations organisations that were incorporated not-for-profits, such as land councils and Aboriginal corporations: see the funded projects.
Where does the project need to be?
Projects outside Greater Capital City Statistical Areas (GCCSAs). Projects inside GCCSAs fall under Thriving Suburbs. If your project is in or near a capital city, check the GCCSA boundary on the Australian Bureau of Statistics maps before you go further.
| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | Local government councils and incorporated not-for-profit organisations | GrantConnect |
| Where | Projects outside Greater Capital City Statistical Areas (GCCSAs). Projects inside GCCSAs fall under Thriving Suburbs | infrastructure.gov.au |
| Grant size | $250,000 to $15 million | GrantConnect |
| Selection process | Open, competitive and merit-based | infrastructure.gov.au |
What project rules applied in Rounds 1 and 2?
Round 1/2 rules, Round 3 TBC.
| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Construction must not have commenced | Growing Regions Program grant opportunity guidelines (Round 1) |
| Minimum eligible expenditure (Round 1) | $555,556 (Group 1), $714,286 (Group 2) or $1,000,000 (Group 3) | Growing Regions Program grant opportunity guidelines (Round 1) |
| Co-funding Group 1 | Up to 90% Commonwealth funding: First Nations community-controlled organisations, very remote projects, or disaster-impacted sites | Growing Regions Program grant opportunity guidelines (Round 1) |
| Co-funding Group 2 | Up to 70% Commonwealth funding: remote projects, or councils on a named list of low rate-base councils (for example Wyalkatchem, Tammin, Kellerberrin, Dowerin, Hay and Coolamon) | Growing Regions Program grant opportunity guidelines (Round 1) |
| Co-funding Group 3 | Up to 50% Commonwealth funding: everyone else | Growing Regions Program grant opportunity guidelines (Round 1) |
| Mandatory attachments | Recent quotes for major costs; evidence of cash contributions; land owner permission; evidence supporting the co-funding group | Growing Regions Program grant opportunity guidelines (Round 1) |
| Ineligible costs | Grant preparation, business cases and feasibility studies; repairs or like-for-like replacement without significant added benefit | Growing Regions Program grant opportunity guidelines (Round 1) |
How does co-funding work?
Under Round 1/2 rules, the Commonwealth paid a share of eligible project costs and the applicant (with any other contributors) paid the rest. The share depended on the co-funding group:
- Group 1: up to 90% Commonwealth funding.
- Group 2: up to 70% Commonwealth funding.
- Group 3: up to 50% Commonwealth funding.
Applicants had to provide evidence for the group they claimed, and evidence of their cash contributions. Round 3 shares are to be confirmed.
When should we check eligibility more carefully?
- Construction has started, or contracts have been let.
- The project is a repair or like-for-like replacement without significant added benefit.
- Someone else owns the land and permission is not yet in writing.
- The project is close to a capital city boundary.
- The organisation is not incorporated, or is not a council.
An eligibility checker is coming soon. Until then, tell us about your project and we will give you an indicative answer based on the Round 1/2 rules.
Last updated 30 October 2026. Markdown version