The Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund (RJIF) is the Victorian Government’s $500 million overarching regional development package. It will invest in growing jobs, building infrastructure and strengthening communities in regional Victoria. As a dedicated regional development fund, RJIF addresses key challenges and opportunities to unlock regional Victoria’s growth potential.
Regional Development Victoria (RDV) manages the RJIF’s three programs:
- Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF): the main infrastructure program – it will invest in major infrastructure projects that create or enhance the conditions for economic growth, and build diversified and sustainable regional economies that are resilient to change.
- Regional Jobs Fund (RJF): facilitates job creation and retaining existing jobs – it will improve regional capacity, innovation and capitalise on the potential of emerging industry sectors, particularly the Government’s priority areas and new export markets.
- Stronger Regional Communities Plan (SRCP): support rural and regional towns in attracting families and young people to live and work by investing in community-led initiatives and partnerships that create or enhance the conditions for economic growth, building community capabilities to drive change and improving the liveability of regional and rural towns.
Who can apply?
The Government welcomes grant proposals from regional and rural local government authorities, government agencies, not-for-profits, community groups and businesses. This includes from businesses in high-growth sectors such as: medical and new energy technology; food and fibre; transport, defence and construction technology; international education and professional services.
What is the funding amount available?
Grant funding of up to 1/3 of project costs is available from the Victorian Government. There are generally no set minimum and maximum funding limits. Applicants are expected to make a financial contribution or source third-party funding. Projects should maximise their funding support from a range of sources including commonwealth and local government, community, private sector and regional organisations.
How to apply:
STEP 1: Engage Treadstone to liaise with RDV early to talk through your proposal and how these programs might be able to support your project prior to commencing an application. NOTE: Assistance may be available from Food Source Victoria Planning Grants to engage independent skilled advisers (like Treadstone).
Advice will then be provided on your proposal, its eligibility, application requirements and potential funding opportunities. RDV can also provide advice on the assessment and approval process for your proposal including likely timeframes.
STEP 2: Prepare application, detailing: the challenge or opportunity it is looking to address; the objectives; the desired outcomes; the outputs to be delivered; and any infrastructure requirements.
STEP 3: Applications will undergo a two-stage assessment process. The first stage is the ability to meet core criteria (listed below) and relevant program stream criteria. The second stage is the assessment by Regional Infrastructure Development Committee (RIDC) prior to consideration by the Minister for Regional Development.
STEP 4: The Minister for Regional Development will determine whether or not to approve the application for funding. Applications seeking funding of $5 million or more will seek the Victorian Treasurer’s authorisation.
Successful applications will be notified by letter outlining the offer and funding obligations.
Merit criteria:
Applicants will be asked to demonstrate the project’s ability to address each of the following criteria:
Core RIF Criteria:
- economic benefits
- social and environmental benefits
- alignment with state and regional priorities and demonstrated project need
- demonstrated project feasibility and delivery
- financial viability
- maximising value to the state
- program stream criteria.
Core RJF Criteria:
- direct economic development benefits
- additional economic development benefits
- social and environmental benefits
- alignment with state and regional priorities and demonstrated project need
- demonstrated project feasibility and delivery
- financial viability
- maximising value to the state.
Deadline/Closing Date
Applications are open on a continuous basis.
Want to get the best possible result out of your Application?
Working with Treadstone means you get the maximum rebate you are entitled to with minimum risk and effort. We provide expert advice and take care of your application, allowing you to continue to focus on your essential business operations. With successful and optimal results, Treadstone are an experienced, outcome focussed team.
To ensure you have the best chance of getting grant funding contact us or call 03 9008 5937.
