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.
Get the checklist PDF
Last updated 30 October 2026. Markdown version