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Second round of business enablement funding opens for Shipwreck Coast and surrounding region
More infrastructure projects will be supported to attract private sector investment along Victoria’s iconic Shipwreck Coast, thanks to the Geelong City Deal’s Private Sector Business Enablement Fund (PSBEF).
Applications are now being invited for Round 2 of the PSBEF with over $7 million in funding available. Round 2 opens on Monday 4 April 2022 and will close on Monday 16 May 2022 at 5pm AEST.
Round 2 builds on the five successful projects from Round 1 announced in February and is set to create up to 360 new jobs for the Shipwreck Coast community.
These projects have the potential to generate more than $150 million in private investment to support the growth of the visitor economy, through new and improved accommodation offerings.
The $7 million Fund supports private sector investment in projects designed to create jobs and encourage tourism experiences along this important part of the coast. Eligible projects can apply for grants of up to $2 million.
Projects that are within the Shipwreck Coast are the priority of the Fund, however projects in neighbouring areas along the Great Ocean Road will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Activities that can be considered for funding include:
- Infrastructure upgrades for roads, power, bridges and communications throughout the Shipwreck Coast – Great Ocean Road region
- Digital connectivity infrastructure within the region, including new and upgraded mobile coverage
- Site and project constraints.
- Strategic headwork services including potable water and sewer services
Successful projects aim to complement the future development of the new Visitor Experience Centre at the Twelve Apostles Precinct, providing an improved experience for domestic and international tourists into the future. The enabling infrastructure funded by the PSBEF will stimulate investment in accommodation and visitor experiences that will attract tourists and stimulate the local economy.
The PSBEF is a key component of the $108.15 million – Shipwreck Coast priority projects initiative identified in the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan under the Geelong City Deal, with $88.15 million funded by the Australian Government and $20 million funded by the Victorian Government.
The Geelong City Deal is a $500 million commitment between the Australian and Victorian governments and the City of Greater Geelong to revitalise the city and regional economy, encouraging visitors to spend more time in the region by capitalising on its natural assets.
Round 2 opens on Monday 4 April 2022 and will close on Monday 16 May 2022 at 5pm.
For more information on the Geelong City Deal, visit
www.citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/geelong.
For more information of the PSBEF, including the guidelines for assessing applications and administering the program, visit
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP:
“The PSBEF is already generating a much needed boost to the local economy, including through supporting local employment opportunities, by providing much needed infrastructure.
“This investment will help expand the accommodation and visitor experience offerings across the region and result in an overall improved experience for domestic visitors and for the return of international tourists.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Regional Development, the Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP:
“This Fund is helping to lay the groundwork for even more investment in Victoria’s beautiful Shipwreck Coast.”
“We’re capitalising on our natural assets to ensure locals and visitors have even more reason to visit - creating even more local jobs into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Hon Dan Tehan MP:
“I am delighted to see this fund assisting our region as we continue to bounce back stronger than ever thanks to the return of international tourism.
Infrastructure Australia’s recent Regional Strengths and Infrastructure Gaps report noted the lack of continuous, high quality mobile coverage along high visitation attractions in the Barwon Southwest Region, such as the Shipwreck Coast. That’s why I’ll be writing to the Mobile Network Operators to encourage them to apply to this fund.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney, the Hon Gayle Tierney MP:
“We are blessed by the natural beauty of this stunning part of our state and as visitors return to enjoy the region, we want to give them the best experience possible and grow jobs for locals.”
“We are doing this in a range of ways, including through implementation of projects attached to the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan, which is a key component of the Geelong City Deal.”
