Applications open to help suburbs thrive

Media release by The Hon Catherine King MP

Saturday 27 July 2024

https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/c-king/media-release/applications-open-help-suburbs-thrive

The Albanese Government is investing in cities and suburbs across Australia, with applications opening today for the $350 million Thriving Suburbs Program.

The program provides access to funding for community infrastructure projects such as libraries, parks, and sporting and cultural facilities in urban, suburban and peri-urban communities – projects that connect communities and enrich quality of life at a local level.

Local government entities and incorporated not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants between $500,000 and $15 million to cover up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs, with lower co-funding requirements in place for First Nations Community Controlled Organisations and low rate-based councils.

The program is designed to build better cities and more liveable suburbs, targeting projects that grow local economies and enhance social inclusion. 

The Albanese Labor Government is committed to delivering the infrastructure required to create strong and vibrant communities, and we know how vital programs like this are to making local projects a reality in areas where they are needed most. 

We are also delivering on our commitment to establish a new suburban funding program focused on integrity, transparency, accountability and collaboration – to ensure a fair process for our Australian cities. 

This will help address a decade of neglect for our cities and suburbs by the previous Liberal and Nationals Government who put politics before local priorities.

The Thriving Suburbs Program will be open and competitive, with projects awarded on a merit basis, supported by a two-stage assessment process.

An eligibility checklist has been published on my department’s website to assist potential applicants. 

Further information and Program Guidelines are available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website or to apply visit https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/thriving-suburbs-program