Resources for Regions

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A family riding on a bike trail in Parkes

The NSW Government has a strong commitment to supporting mining communities in NSW. Since 2012, the Resources for Regions program has allocated $560 million to 355 projects supporting the ongoing prosperity of mining communities in regional NSW. These projects have revitalised towns, upgraded roads and built essential community facilities while improving economic opportunities, local amenity and creating positive social outcomes.

The NSW Government has committed additional funding to support the Resources for Regions Program to support regional communities impacted by mining, including LGAs in gas exploration areas to drive economic and social prosperity.

More information on the next funding round will be made available later in 2023.

Round 9

The Resources for Regions program continues to provide support to communities across regional NSW impacted by mining. Resources for Regions Round 9 provides up to $140 million to NSW’s highly valued mining communities for new infrastructure and community projects that support economic and social prosperity. The program has also expanded to support communities where gas exploration or mining may occur.

Applications for Resources for Regions Round 9 have closed. For all program information, please visit the Resources for Regions Round 9 grants page.

Round 8 - Successful Projects

Resources for Regions Round 8 delivered $75 million in funding to support 93 projects directly aimed at improving the lives of people in mining communities in regional NSW.

Round 8 ensured a base amount of $1 million was secured for each of the 24 eligible councils, with a further $51 million weighted to the most mining-affected communities.

Some successfully funded projects under Resources for Regions are highlighted below. For a map outlining all successful projects, see the Regional Growth Fund page.

Helensburgh Town Centre Revitalisation Project

This transformational project includes pedestrian crossing safety improvements, upgrade of the main streets, new footpaths connecting the town centre to recreation and sporting precincts, a new playground, car park upgrades and a new roundabout.

Bylong Valley Way Upgrade

This project upgrades the Bylong Valley Way Road to improve the movement of freight for mining related activities and addresses the poor condition of the road due to heavy vehicle usage. The works to the road will ensure it is safe and smooth for additional traffic generated from local mining activity associated with coal mining in the region.

Denman Revitalisation Project

A $2.5 million grant from the Resources for Regions program funded the upgrade of Denman main street with new safer pedestrian features, street art and caravan parking, as well as the expansion of Memorial Park.

Future of Gas Statement

In July 2021, the NSW Government released its Future of Gas Statement, outlining its plans for the gas industry in NSW, while ruling out gas production under the majority of Petroleum Exploration Licences (PELs), with the exception of PELs which support the future of the Narrabri Gas Project.

To ensure communities where gas exploration occurs receive their fair share, the NSW Government has also confirmed additional funding will be made available for these Local Government Areas (LGAs) through Round Nine of Resources for Regions.

Resources for Regions Strategic Review

In 2019 a strategic review of the Resources for Regions program was undertaken, in consultation with key stakeholders.

The Program was refreshed for Round Seven in 2020, and it incorporated key findings from the review including a new set of funding criteria, to reshape and refocus the program. Key changes included prescribed allocations of funding guaranteed for eligible councils to ensure funding will flow where it is needed most; and community programs being eligible in addition to infrastructure projects.

A summary report (external link) (PDF, 140kb) of the review, outlining key findings, the consultation process and recommendations is now available.

The University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Public Policy and Governance undertook research and analysis to inform the review of the Resources for Regions program.

Program evaluation

Contact us

General enquiries: For general program enquiries, email the Resources for Regions Programs team at rfr.enquiries@regional.nsw.gov.au .
Grant management queries: If your enquiry refers to an approved project with an existing funding deed, email the Grants Management Office at gmo@regional.nsw.gov.au. Please quote your Application ID in the email subject line.
Branding and signage approvals: For approval to use logos, signs and branding for projects with allocated funding, contact branding@regional.nsw.gov.au. Please review the NSW Government Funding Acknowledgement Guidelines before getting in touch.
Phone enquiries: To speak to a staff member, please call 1300 679 673.