Round 2 of the Australian Government's $35 million Securing Raw Materials Program will commence on 6 January 2022.
Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said grants of up to $5 million are available to support businesses to relocate to, or expand in, regional Australia, and partner with a regional university or research organisation to complete vital research, development and commercialisation work in raw materials.
"Our regionalisation strategy is supporting people moving to the regions by improving access to jobs, services and infrastructure.
"This program provides the funding businesses need to tap in to the research capabilities and local knowledge of our regions to develop innovative and locally-sourced raw material supplies, which are crucial in many industries," Minister McKenzie said.
"It will support establishing innovative new suppliers or products, and value-adding to existing supplies, to underpin business growth in a range of Aussie industries that rely on the quality raw materials found in our own backyard.
"Backing businesses to do this work within the very regions our raw materials are found, in partnership with our world-class regional universities and research groups with vital on-the-ground experience, is a recipe for success that will strengthen our raw materials industry while creating skilled jobs and business growth.
"I am also pleased to announce Round 2 is open to even more local businesses, to have a greater impact across the country.
"As well as supporting those based in our cities to make a tree change and move or expand to the regions, those located in regional areas that want to expand to a different region are now able to apply."
Minister McKenzie said the program will underpin industry growth for years to come, backing in stronger and more resilient regional economies to deliver lasting benefits for business, researchers and regional communities.
"Regional Australia is becoming the preferred location for many Australians, with a net 43,000 people taking up the incredible lifestyle our regions have to offer in 2020," Minister McKenzie said.
"This program is just one part of this strategy that will leave a lasting legacy in our nation on a number of fronts, not only by securing stronger supplies of raw materials, but by increasing research, investment and economic capacity in Australia's regions.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to make their raw materials projects a reality, and I encourage them to apply."
Round 2 of the Securing Raw Materials program is open for applications from 6 January 2022 until 24 February 2022.
