Manufacturing has been identified as a key beneficiary of a new $15 million Trunk Infrastructure Fund announced by Regional Development Victoria, aimed at unlocking rural and regional land to support industrial development, private investment and long-term jobs growth across the state.
According to Regional Development Victoria, the fund forms part of the Victorian Government’s Economic Growth Statement and will support co-funded infrastructure projects designed to establish or expand industrial sites, including those linked to manufacturing, defence, health technologies, the circular economy, digital technology and agribusiness.
The agency said strategic trunk infrastructure is intended to create a competitive operating environment for both existing and emerging regional industries.
The fund will support essential services such as water, power and sewerage supply, road networks and enabling technologies, including NBN connections, to increase the supply of serviced land available for business and industry use.
Regional Development Victoria said this infrastructure is expected to help activate private sector investment and support production and productivity by strengthening local supply chains.
Grant funding of between $500,000 and $2 million is available, excluding GST, under a co-investment model that requires applicants to contribute cash toward total project costs.
Co-contribution requirements vary between rural councils, alpine resort areas and regional city councils, with higher contribution thresholds applying in regional city areas.
Expressions of interest opened on 13 February and will remain open until funds are allocated or the program is closed.
Regional Development Victoria said applications will be managed through local RDV offices, with funding approvals subject to assessment and program guidelines.
