What the change to BBRF means for councils

You would have heard by now that the Government has cancelled around $2 billion in Grant funding that was promised by the previous Government. As a result, we need to start focusing on how we can leverage applications submitted under the previous BBRF round to better position projects for the new funding streams under the Growing Regions Program.
 
This means reviewing councils’ strategic and project plans and identifying what is needed to prepare for the new funding programs. While we don’t have the details on these programs yet, prioritising councils’ project lists and reviewing previous applications is a starting point to ensure they are place-based, local solutions with the goal to improve a community and its region's overall liveability. If you can identify where your projects may also have wider benefits beyond LGA borders, that may be a point of difference.
 
These programs will be highly competitive, and we need to consider working, where appropriate, with our neighbours to better position projects. It is time to strategise, prioritise and advocate for projects to clearly demonstrate regional support and benefits. 

Depending on the criteria under the new ‘Growing Regions Program’, applicants who applied for funding under BBRF Round 6 may be able to apply for either or both of the streams: 

• Growing Regions Program - “new opportunities for regional local councils and not-for-profit organisations through an annual open, competitive grants process."
• Precincts and Partnerships Program – “strategic, nationally consistent mechanism for funding and coordinating larger-scale projects that transform a place, to benefit communities in regional cities and wider rural and regional Australia."

Our team are closely monitoring the release of guidelines and will work with councils to minimise the impacts and costs of reapplying, and to help maximise funding success.

What can you do now to prepare for new funding rounds

Every BBRF application will need to be re-worked for submission into the new funding programs. For most projects this is likely to involve:

• Update supporting documentation to address cost escalations
• Consideration of material and supply shortages and how this may effect your projects
• Revise project timelines
• Obtain, or prepare to obtain, new quotes/.estimates
• Updating Cost Benefit Analysis
• Revise and amend Project Plan

We are always here to support your organisation. Please reach out to us if you need assistance preparing your documentation for new grant rounds that will be released by the Government. We’re already working on the above checklist for customers that are on our Grant Management retainer service. 

Contact Grant Program Office Leader, Zoe Dark zdark@wearepeak.com.au or phone 0448 102 122

Banner image: Carptentaria Shire Council, Magnificent Creek Overflow