Regional areas will enjoy a wider variety of food and drink experiences, better water and cycling infrastructure, and diverse tourism opportunities thanks to the latest $5 million Regional Growth Fund competitive grant program, which is expected to create more than 160 jobs.
Ten exciting projects have been allocated funds under the program, from a new cycleway completing the link between Adelaide and Angaston, to boosting regional food and wine experiences, to restoration and re-use of a much-loved heritage building in Goolwa.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said that the projects were diverse yet creative and would help the regions to prosper.
"The passion and innovation in our state's businesses and communities shines through in these projects, which demonstrate a range of ideas that will genuinely provide a boost for the economy in our regions," said Minister Whetstone.
"We've encouraged business collaboration and a focus on community benefit, so I'm pleased that we are able to contribute to projects that will create stronger and more resilient regions.
"The 10 projects are expected to create more than 160 jobs with a mix of construction and on-going jobs.
"These grants have been provided on a minimum 50:50 funds matching basis, so we're leveraging every dollar we allocate. Unlocking up to $14.6 million in investment across our regions is a fantastic result for the Regional Growth Fund.
"The Regional Growth Fund was established to unlock new economic activity in our regions, deliver critical economic infrastructure to create direct benefit across regional industries and strengthen regional communities."
The project allocations are:
- $300,000 to expand production, catering, and conference and event facilities at Chalk Hill Wines
- $400,000 towards a new Langhorne Creek commercial and tourism hub
- $400,000 towards a new sales, marketing and distribution space for Barossa food producers
- $50,000 for delivery of a new investment strategy for Light Regional Council
- $1.25 million towards a recycled water infrastructure project in Mount Barker
- $106,400 to restore the historic Chart Room building in Goolwa into a usable contemporary multi-purpose space
- $385,000 towards the upgrade of Mount Gambier and District Saleyards
- $716,000 towards a major project to expand and redevelop the Marree Remote Area Health Precinct
- $100,770 towards a project to revitalise Port Augusta to enhance the tourism experience
- $678,269 for the Town of Gawler and the Barossa Council to help to deliver the Greater Adelaide Cycleway: Barossa, Light and Lower North Cycle Tourism Project
The Marshall Liberal Government has committed $150 million over 10 years through the Regional Growth Fund to support regional South Australia as part of the Recharging Our Regions policy.
In 2019-20, the Regional Growth Fund included a $5 million allocation for Regional Growth Fund Competitive Grants. Applicants could seek grants from $50,000 up to $2 million.
The applications were assessed by an independently chaired panel, and recommended based on how well they aligned to the Fund's criteria.
For more information, visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/regionalgrowthfund
