Growing Local Economies Fund

Funding is available for projects located in regional NSW outside of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. 

Eligible applicants include: 

• local councils or Joint Organisations of Councils 
• Local Aboriginal Land Councils 
• infrastructure providers such as telecommunication, energy or water companies 
• peak bodies such as incorporated business, industry and community associations 
• cooperatives 
• educational institutions 
• incorporated not-for-profit organisations

Applications involving public–private partnerships or leveraging other funding streams (such as Commonwealth or local government funding) are encouraged.

The Growing Local Economies Fund will not support projects that: 

• are not in eligible locations 
• are on private land unless there is a clear public benefit 
• have exclusive private benefits 
• relate to buying or upgrading non-fixed equipment 
• relate to marketing, advertising or product promotion 
• require ongoing funding from the NSW Government or Commonwealth Government 
• request grant funding for operational expenditure, including but not limited to regular repairs and maintenance. 

Projects must be for infrastructure that:

• is for the use and benefit of multiple organisations or businesses 
• enables or brings forward investment or productivity improvements for new or existing industry 
• delivers a net economic benefit to residents and business located in NSW 
• would likely not proceed without NSW Government funding. Wherever possible, projects should support local procurement, job creation and skills development.

Examples of ineligible projects include: 

• street beautification 
• construction of a building that will return a commercial rent to a single organisation or entity 
• projects that do not involve building infrastructure, such as dredging or earthworks as the sole activity 
• non-fixed equipment such as road machinery.

Examples of eligible infrastructure projects include: 

• service infrastructure to unlock potential for new or existing employment areas 
• road or rail upgrades 
• telecommunication infrastructure that enables economic growth or increases productivity for multiple businesses.