Birrell calls Growing Regions Program a ‘funding black hole’

May 7, 2024

**Stalled:** Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell is challenging the Federal Government’s approach to the Growing Regions Program. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell has challenged the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program for failing to finalise important grants for major infrastructure.

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The Growing Regions Program provides grants between $500,000 to $15 million over three years.

These grants are intended to fund community infrastructure projects for local government entities and not-for-profit organisations.

Projects greenlit for stage two of the program were asked to submit their applications by January 15.

“Regional councils and community organisations have been waiting more than 40 weeks since Labor opened the Growing Regions Program, and in nine months, not one application has been approved and funded,” Mr Birrell said in April.

“Under the program’s guidelines, the latest start date of projects is May 15, 2024 — that is less than month away — and no grants have even been awarded.”

Mr Birrell said councils felt “particular angst” as they prepared budgets without knowing whether major capitol works could be included.

A spokesperson for Greater Shepparton City Council said it applied to the program for infrastructure projects at Shepparton Sports Stadium and VISY Stadium.

“Council notes that the outcome of funding is expected to be known before the end of this financial year,” the spokesperson said.

Per the guidelines, successful applicants have 60 days from receiving a written offer to finalise the grant agreement with the Commonwealth.

During this time, the government will work with the organisations to finalise details.

However, Mr Birrell believes regional communities are being “strung along” and intends to find out more about the funding process.

“I have written to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, seeking an explanation for the delays and for her to provide applicants with clarity around the timing of the announcement of successful applicants,” he said.