Businesses in Lismore and the Northern Rivers can now apply for a share of $50 million for initiatives that will help create new jobs, retain existing jobs and drive local economic opportunities and development.

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program can support infrastructure projects such as industrial precincts, research centres, major event facilities or programs that promotes regional employment and economic growth.

“The Minns Government is committed to ensuring regional communities like the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands thrive, and this investment from the $400-million Regional Development Trust is great news for local jobs and economic development,” Ms Saffin said.

“I’m keen to be fully briefed on projects and initiatives across our Electorate of Lismore that end up being put forward for funding support under this new program.” 

Grants of between $500,000 and $5 million will be available for infrastructure projects and capital investments to create jobs and economic opportunities.

Between $250,000 and $1 million will be available for regional programs to improve service delivery and community connection and capacity building.

This next phase of funding from the NSW Government’s $400-million Regional Development Trust will provide a targeted investment in regional NSW that has been guided by the Regional Development Advisory Council and informed by several roundtables with rural communities hosted by the Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty.

Projects funded under this program will align with the Regional Development Trust’s key focus areas of:

• Sustainable regional industries
• Aboriginal economic development and enterprise
• Community connection and capacity building
• Improving regional service delivery

This funding follows the NSW Government’s modernisation of the Regional Development Act to better reflect the needs of contemporary rural and regional NSW, expanding investment opportunities and enshrining integrity in the system. 

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will host community information sessions in the new year so potential applicants can learn about the program, how to apply, and what projects and initiatives are eligible for targeted investment.

Applications are now open and will close at 5pm on Thursday 20 February 2025.

For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust