The Albanese Government is continuing to deliver for regional communities, with more than $23 million committed to four Victorian projects under the latest round of the $400 million regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP).

The funding will support projects across regional, rural and remote Australia, driving local jobs, economic growth and more resilient regional communities. 

Among the successful projects is Barwon Water’s Black Rock precinct, which has been funded $20 million to transform how environmental waste is managed across the Barwon region. 

The new facility will convert organic waste from wastewater treatment, commercial woody waste and selective components of food and garden organics into renewable energy and biochar, creating scalable and replicable model for sustainable waste management. 

By increasing local processing capacity, the project will ease current constraints, support future housing growth and help drive a circular economy. 

The other successful projects in Victoria are:

• $1.87 million for the Alpine Shire Council for a Bright River Precinct Master Plan.
• $632,000 for the Bass Coast Shire Council to co-design a multi-use precinct on the former Wonthaggi Secondary College Site.
• $607,000 for the Ballarat Regional Trades and Labour Council Incorporated to develop construction-ready plans to transform the Ballarat Trades Hall into a modern, inclusive venue.

Further announcements will be made shortly for projects in other parts of Australia. 

For more information and a full list of funded projects, visit infrastructure.gov.au/regional.

Further applications to the program are currently under assessment. 

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:

“The Barwon Water’s Black Rock precinct treats around 85 per cent of the Geelong region’s wastewater.

“This increased local processing capacity will strengthen the region’s resilience and support future population growth and economic development.

“It is another fantastic example of how the Albanese Government is committed to investing to create jobs and unlock opportunities across our regions.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain:

“The Albanese Government is committed to delivering for regional and remote Australia.

“Through the regional Precincts and Partnerships Program we continue to deliver transformative investment in regional, rural and remote Australia.

“The four Victorian projects in this latest round of funding, including the Regional Renewable Organics Network at Barwon Water’s Black Rock precinct, are helping unify regional places, grow their economies and better serve their communities.

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker:

“People across the Bellarine and Surf Coast care deeply about protecting our environment while planning for the future, and this investment delivers both. 

“I’ve worked closely with Barwon Water to back this project because it will be transformational for our region - reducing waste, cutting emissions, creating local jobs and supporting sustainable growth. 

“By turning organic waste into renewable energy and biochar, we’re building a cleaner, smarter circular economy here in our backyard while helping meet the needs of our growing community.”

Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Water Harriet Shing: 

“This innovative water infrastructure delivers real benefits for regional Victoria – turning waste into smart solutions that support local business, communities, and economies.

“Growing regional communities depend on resilient water infrastructure that makes life easier, safer, and more affordable.”

Quotes attributable to Barwon Water Chair, Peta Maddy: 

“The Regional Renewable Organics Network supports the ongoing evolution of Black Rock, from the home of a wastewater treatment plant into a world-class centre of clean resource generation.

“It will convert biosolids and other organic waste into beneficial products, further improving the region's circular economy and environment.”