Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program

Purpose and Program Overview

The Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) supports investment in regional, rural, and remote Australia. It aims to unify regional areas, stimulate economic growth, and serve local communities. The program encourages a partnership approach, bringing together governments and communities to develop and deliver regional precincts.

This program plays a role in fostering collaboration and delivering tailored projects that meet local needs. It supports the planning and delivery of multi-purpose regional precincts, which may include various infrastructure elements designed to provide benefits related to productivity, equity, and resilience for regional communities.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range:
  • Stream One (Precinct development and planning): $500,000 to $5 million.
  • Stream Two (Precinct delivery): $5 million to $50 million.
• Application open and close dates: Applications are open until funding is fully allocated. Applications are batched and assessed periodically.
• Eligible industries or business types: State and Territory government agencies or bodies, Australian local government agencies or bodies, regional universities (which may be for-profit), and incorporated not-for-profit organisations (including Indigenous organisations).
• Required co-contributions: Co-contributions are necessary and can be cash or in-kind, or a combination of both. They can come from other sources, including state, territory, and local government grants.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Regional, rural, or remote Australia, entirely outside the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Greater Capital City Statistical Areas (GCCSA).

Priority Sectors

The program does not prioritise specific industries or sectors. Instead, it focuses on projects that develop regional precincts. These precincts can encompass business districts, neighbourhoods, activity centres, commercial hubs, and community and recreational zones, provided they deliver productivity, equity, and resilience benefits to regional, rural, and remote areas.

The program also seeks to contribute to Australian Government policy initiatives, including:

• Closing the Gap.
• Transitioning to a net-zero economy and emission reduction goals.
• Social and affordable housing.
• National Cultural Policy.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts per stream:
  • Stream One: Minimum of $500,000, maximum of $5 million.
  • Stream Two: Minimum of $5 million, maximum of $50 million.
• Categories or streams of funding:
  • Stream One (Precinct Development and Planning): Project funding for master planning, consultation, design, business cases, and partnership establishment. Projects must have at least $500,000 in eligible expenditure.
  • Stream Two (Precinct Delivery): Project funding to help deliver one or more elements of a precinct. This includes enabling infrastructure (e.g., roads, pathways, underground infrastructure), public infrastructure, or a specific building that activates other investments. Projects must be ready for construction with a completed business case, design, and consultation, and have at least $5 million in eligible expenditure.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: The program runs over 4 years, from 2023-24 to 2026-27. The schedule is expected to expire on 30 June 2027, or upon completion of the initiative.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Eligible entities include:
  • Australian State/Territory Government agencies or bodies.
  • Australian local government agencies or bodies.
  • Regional universities (may be for-profit).
  • Incorporated not-for-profit organisations. Not-for-profits must demonstrate their status through current ACNC registration, state or territory incorporation, or their constitutional documents.
• Registered business location: Projects must be located in regional, rural, or remote areas of Australia, entirely outside the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Greater Capital City Statistical Areas (GCCSA).
• ABN/GST status: Applicants must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or registration with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Organisations (ORIC).
• Other requirements:
  • Cannot be an organisation or have a project partner on the National Redress Scheme’s list of Institutions that have not joined or signed their intent to join the Scheme.
  • Cannot be an employer of 100 or more employees that has not complied with the Workplace Gender Equality Act (2012).
  • Must provide evidence of support from the relevant Regional Development Australia (RDA) committee and Traditional Owner/First Nations groups for the area.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The grant supports activities directly related to developing or improving a regional precinct. Eligible activities include:

• Scoping, planning, design, and consultation activities for the proposed precinct.
• Development and formalisation of partnership relationships and responsibilities.
• Business cases and feasibility studies.
• Construction or upgrade of new or existing infrastructure that supports a precinct.
• Procurement of suitable equipment and infrastructure for precinct activation.
• Labour expenditure and on-costs are directly related to the project.
• Contract expenditure and relevant travel expenditure.
• Materials for the construction and lease of plant and equipment.

Ineligible costs include financing costs, capital expenditures for general assets (e.g., office furniture, vehicles, computers, and general software), non-project-related staff training, insurance costs, debt financing, and costs incurred before notification of application eligibility.

Assessment Process

The Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program is a competitive program. An Independent Expert Panel assesses applications against specific criteria.

• Key evaluation criteria for Stream One (Precinct Development and Planning) projects:
  • Project alignment with program objectives and Australian Government priorities (35 points).
  • Project Need (35 points).
  • Community engagement, collaboration, and partnership (20 points).
  • Organisational capability to deliver the project (10 points).
• Key evaluation criteria for Stream Two (Precinct Delivery) projects:
  • Project alignment with program objectives and Australian Government priorities (25 points).
  • Project Need (20 points).
  • Community engagement, collaboration, and partnership (20 points).
  • Return on investment (25 points).
  • Organisational capability to deliver the project (10 points).

Recent Program Updates

Updated guidelines for the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program have been released. These updates include changes to reflect delivery through the Federation Funding Agreement Framework, clarifying the definition of a precinct, and extending the program period to 30 June 2027. Minor administrative changes were also made. Applicants with existing submissions may choose to retain them for assessment under the new guidelines, submit a new application, or withdraw their existing submission.

Application Tips

Consider these points for your application:

• Double-check all eligibility criteria and ensure your project is located in an eligible regional area.
• Prepare all required attachments and supporting documents thoroughly.
• Align your proposal directly with the program’s objectives of unifying regional areas, fostering economic growth, and serving local communities.
• Demonstrate strong community engagement, collaboration, and partnership in your project.
• For Stream Two, ensure your project is construction-ready with completed business cases and designs.

Where to Get Help for Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist, such as Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit relevant government websites for application templates and further guidance.