Grant funding up to $15 million for community infrastructure projects

Written By Anne Furey

The Federal Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program provides grant funding, on a competitive basis, to support establishing community infrastructure across capital cities, suburban and peri-urban communities. This could include, for example, libraries, parks, and sporting or cultural facilities.

Grant funding between $500,000 and $5 million will be offered to successful applicants, on a cash co-contribution basis.

Eligible applicants, including incorporated not-for-profit organisations and local government agencies or bodies, are required to contribute towards the project on the following basis:

  1. Projects run by First Nations Community Controlled Organisations will be eligible for a grant supporting up to 90% of eligible project costs.

  2. Projects run by ‘low rate-based’ councils (listed in Appendix E, Program Guidelines) will be eligible for a grant supporting up to 70% of eligible project costs.

  3. All remaining applicants must contribute a minimum of 50% of total eligible project costs.

The program objectives are:

  • Constructing or upgrading community infrastructure that fills an identified and immediate gap or unmet need, particularly for communities that have experienced substantial growth.

  • Contributing to achieving social outcomes and increased community cohesion, liveability and accessibility for urban, suburban, and peri-urban growth areas, fringe areas, and inner suburbs.

  • Strategic alignment with the Australian Government’s National Urban Policy to deliver targeted and place-based investment that promotes sustainable growth and enables communities to thrive.

Eligible projects must:

  • Construct new community infrastructure or expand or upgrade existing infrastructure for wider community benefits.

  • Not be standard capital works of other Commonwealth, state, territory or local government bodies including, but not limited to, roads, housing and essential service provision.

  • Not have commenced construction.

  • Not have received Commonwealth funding to undertake the same funded activities.

  • Have a minimum eligible expenditure as per the program guidelines.

Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm AEST on Monday 26 August 2024.

For more information and to access the program guidelines, templates and online application form click here.

Anne Furey