> ## 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.

# How to prepare for Growing Regions Round 3: readiness checklist

> To be ready for Growing Regions Round 3, have your scope, land owner permission, recent quotes for major costs, cash contribution evidence and a business case in place before guidelines are released. Under Round 1/2 rules, readiness was worth 40 of 100 points (checked 30 October 2026).

## How were applications assessed in Rounds 1 and 2?

**Round 1/2 rules, Round 3 TBC.**

| Fact | Detail | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Assessment criteria | 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 | Growing Regions Program grant opportunity guidelines (Round 1) |
| Criterion 3 evidence | A business case with plans, budget, approvals, timelines and procurement approach; a cost-benefit analysis; a risk management plan | 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) |

## Eligibility basics

Settle these first. If any is a "no", fix it or talk to us before going further.

- [ ] Your organisation is a local government council or an incorporated not-for-profit.
- [ ] The project is outside a Greater Capital City Statistical Area.
- [ ] Construction has not started and no construction contract has been let.
- [ ] You own the land, or have the land owner's permission in writing.
- [ ] The project is new or adds significant benefit, not a repair or like-for-like replacement.

## Criterion 1: economic and social benefit

Show what changes for the community, with numbers where you can.

- [ ] Who will use the facility, and how many people.
- [ ] Jobs during construction and once it is operating.
- [ ] Evidence of community need: surveys, waiting lists, usage data, letters of support.
- [ ] A cost-benefit analysis, even a simple one.

## Criterion 2: alignment with regional and government priorities

Link the project to plans that already exist.

- [ ] The council plan, strategic plan or masterplan that names the project.
- [ ] The regional plan (for example from your Regional Development Australia committee) it supports.
- [ ] Letters of support from community groups, sporting bodies or other partners.

## Criterion 3: capacity, capability and readiness

Under Round 1/2 rules this was worth 40 of 100 points. It is where preparation pays off.

- [ ] Designs or specifications developed enough to price.
- [ ] Recent quotes for major costs.
- [ ] Approvals identified, and lodged or granted where possible.
- [ ] Evidence of your cash contribution (budget papers or a council resolution).
- [ ] A business case covering plans, budget, approvals, timeline and procurement.
- [ ] A risk management plan.
- [ ] A procurement plan that follows your organisation's rules.
- [ ] A maintenance and operating plan showing who pays to run the asset.
- [ ] A project team, including delivery partners with the right skills.

## Download the checklist

Get the checklist as a printable PDF, emailed to you. Or skip the paperwork and [ask for free readiness support](https://growingregions.com.au/get-round-3-ready/).

Checked on 30 October 2026.

## Sources

- 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)
- [Free Round 3 readiness support for councils and not-for-profits](https://growingregions.com.au/get-round-3-ready.md)
- [Growing Regions Program FAQ](https://growingregions.com.au/faq.md)

Get free Round 3 readiness support: https://growingregions.com.au/get-round-3-ready/

Canonical page: https://growingregions.com.au/how-to-prepare/