> ## Site Index > Fetch the complete index of this site at: https://growingregions.com.au/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. Independent guide by Industrial Automation Group. Not affiliated with the Australian Government. Official source: infrastructure.gov.au. # Growing Regions Program FAQ > Short answers to the questions councils and not-for-profits ask most about the Growing Regions Program, from Round 3 timing to co-funding and assessment (checked 30 October 2026). ## What is the Growing Regions Program? An Australian Government grant program that funds community infrastructure in regional Australia, such as aquatic centres, sports precincts, community hubs, town centres and trails. Councils and incorporated not-for-profits apply in open, competitive rounds. ## Is Growing Regions Round 3 open? No. As at 30 October 2026, Round 3 is a forecast opportunity (FO20260609) and applications cannot be submitted yet. Guidelines are expected from late 2026. ## How much funding is available in Round 3? Round 3 sits within $750 million over three years, shared between Growing Regions and Thriving Suburbs (2026–27 Budget). The $600 million figure covers Rounds 1 and 2 (2023–24), not Round 3. ## How big are Round 3 grants? $250,000 to $15 million per project. ## Who can apply for Growing Regions Round 3? Local government councils and incorporated not-for-profit organisations. ## Where does a project need to be? Projects outside Greater Capital City Statistical Areas (GCCSAs). Projects inside GCCSAs fall under Thriving Suburbs. ## What is the difference between Growing Regions and Thriving Suburbs? Geography. Growing Regions funds projects outside Greater Capital City Statistical Areas; Thriving Suburbs funds projects inside them. Both draw on the same funding pool. ## Do we need to co-fund the project? Under Round 1/2 rules, yes. The Commonwealth share depended on the co-funding group: up to 90% (Group 1), up to 70% (Group 2) or up to 50% (Group 3). Round 3 shares are to be confirmed. ## Can we apply if construction has started? Under Round 1/2 rules, no: construction must not have commenced. Expect the same for Round 3 until the guidelines say otherwise. ## How were applications scored? Criterion 1 economic and social benefit (40 points); Criterion 2 alignment with regional and government priorities (20 points); Criterion 3 capacity, capability and readiness (40 points). Applicants need at least 60 per cent against each criterion (Round 1/2 rules). ## What attachments were mandatory? Recent quotes for major costs; evidence of cash contributions; land owner permission; evidence supporting the co-funding group (Round 1/2 rules). ## Can the grant pay for our business case or grant writer? Not under Round 1/2 rules. Ineligible costs included grant preparation, business cases and feasibility studies; repairs or like-for-like replacement without significant added benefit. That is why preparation needs to be funded, or found free, before you apply. ## How long will the application window be? Not announced. As a guide, Round 2 was open from 5 September to 10 October 2024 (five weeks), single-stage. ## What got funded in Round 1? 40 projects worth $206,590,135 in total, including aquatic centres, airports, community hubs, town centres and trails. See the funded projects database on this site. ## Is this the government Growing Regions website? No. This is an independent guide run by Industrial Automation Group (IA Group). Official information is at infrastructure.gov.au, and program enquiries go to growingregions@infrastructure.gov.au. Checked on 30 October 2026. ## Sources - [Growing Regions Program Round 3 forecast notice (FO20260609)](https://www.grants.gov.au/Fo/Show?FoUuid=c417341a-cdf3-4731-a0a8-f0740662d7d0) (GrantConnect) - [Thriving Suburbs and Growing Regions programs](https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions/regional-australia/regional-and-community-programs/community-infrastructure-thriving-suburbs-growing-regions) (Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts) - Growing Regions Program grant opportunity guidelines (Round 1) (Australian Government) - [Growing Regions Program Round 2 fact sheet](https://infrastructure.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/growing-regions-program-round-2-fact-sheet-20240905.pdf) (infrastructure.gov.au) ## Related pages - [Growing Regions Round 3: what we know](https://growingregions.com.au/round-3.md) - [Growing Regions eligibility explained](https://growingregions.com.au/eligibility.md) - [How to prepare for Growing Regions Round 3: readiness checklist](https://growingregions.com.au/how-to-prepare.md) Get free Round 3 readiness support: https://growingregions.com.au/get-round-3-ready/ Canonical page: https://growingregions.com.au/faq/