Organisations, councils, not-for-profits, and Aboriginal community groups across our region with great ideas for infrastructure or regionally significant opportunities can help make them a reality, thanks to the NSW Government’s new $24 million Regional NSW – Business Case and Strategy Development Fund.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson welcomed the new program which would help local organisations to engage experts when developing business cases for new project ideas.

“Local organisations in our region know best what projects would benefit the local community and economy,” Mr Anderson said.

“From the small projects to the big picture ideas, the Regional NSW – Business Case and Strategy Development Fund will help local organisations get great projects off the ground, providing jobs and opportunities for our people while building a better region.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the regions are bursting with people full of ideas with the potential to create jobs, boost economies and attract investment.

“This fund is all about making great ideas and concepts a reality, providing regional opportunities for economic development, jobs and tourism,” Mr Toole said.

“Any successful project starts with evidence-based planning, and this program will help business cases stand out by outlining costs, community benefits and identifying any challenges.”

Funding will be available under two streams, with up to $19 million for regionally significant economic and community development projects, and up to $5 million for business cases that create opportunities for economic and community empowerment of Aboriginal people.

The Regional NSW - Business Case and Strategy Development Fund is part of the $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund and will help organisations build a pipeline of investment-ready projects for future funding opportunities.

For further information about the NSW Government’s Regional NSW - Business Case and Strategy Development Fund, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria, go to www.nsw.gov.au/BusinessCaseFund