WA Regional Development Minister, Jon Ford has called for expressions of interest for the Regional Infrastructure Funding Program (RIFP), with grants from $100,000 up to $5 million available to support significant infrastructure projects.

Part of the Carpenter Government’s four-year $80million Regional Investment Fund (RIF), MR Ford says the grants will assist in attracting regional investment, jobs or improving services.

“These grants are primarily to support the sustainable development of regional Western Australia,” he says.

Local governments, state government agencies, community organisations and other regional groups requiring assistance to meet the capital costs of industrial or transport infrastructure, tourism amenities, health and education facilities or other initiatives are being encouraged to apply.

“The State Government is committed to strengthening regional development in WA and I strongly encourage eligible regional organisations to identify worthwhile projects in their regions which may be eligible for assistance,” he says.

According to Ford, RIFP has already provided significant funding to numerous capital infrastructure projects throughout regional WA since the Program’s launch in 2001.

Examples of regional projects which have benefited from the RIFP include the Fairbridge Village, Great Southern Regional Cattleyards, Carnarvon Boat Harbour, Broome Wharf, the Gravity Discovery Centre in Gingin, the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk in Northcliffe and the upgrade of the Leonora mainstreet.

“Through this program, we are boosting the capacity and confidence of regional communities, ensuring they have a fairer share of infrastructure funding,” he says.

Expressions of interest should be sent to the Department of Local Government and Regional Development before 5pm Monday, March 19.

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