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Original constituency question from Juliana Addison MP to Parliament –

My question is for the Minister for Regional Development.

Will the minister please advise when the successful applicants for the current round of the Regional Infrastructure Fund will be announced?

The RIF provides important funding for regional communities and demonstrates our government’s commitment to all Victorians. In my electorate of Wendouree the RIF has supported a number of transformative projects, including $5 million in funding for the relocation of the Ballarat Showgrounds in 2018. The funding is supporting the Ballarat Agricultural & Pastoral Society’s move to a new purpose-built facility in Mount Rowan.

Additionally, the Ballarat Tramway Museum received $2 million through the RIF for crucial track replacement, which will replace ageing track and provide opportunities for locals and tourists alike to enjoy tram rides at beautiful Lake Wendouree.

I would like to thank the minister for her strong support for our regional communities, and I look forward to hearing when the announcement of the successful applicants of the RIF will be made.

Response from the Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas MP, Minister for Regional Development (5th April 2022) –

I thank the Member for Wendouree for her question about the Regional Infrastructure Fund Round Two and am pleased to hear that her electorate is benefiting from previous Regional Infrastructure Fund investments. The Fund is key to the Government’s almost $30 billion investment across regional and rural Victoria since 2015.

On Tuesday March 29th, I had the pleasure of announcing the second round of successful applicants to the Regional Infrastructure Fund.

I was pleased to join you in visiting one of the many recipients, theBallarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BADAC), to announce their $2.6 million grant. This grant will support the development of a culturally safe, independent living community for local Aboriginal Elders.

This project builds on support provided by BADAC to Aboriginal Victorians across five local government areas in western Victoria. The Cooperative delivers health, social and community development programs to local Aboriginals – including more than 700 people aged 45and over who need culturally sensitive support as they get older.

I am proud of this Government’s investment into regional infrastructure through projects like these, and look forward to returning in the future to see the transformative impact they are having on our regional communities.