Apply Now: Infrastructure Assets Grant Program (Australia)

The Mackay Regional Council Infrastructure Assets Grant Program provides up to $30,000 per project to eligible community groups and not-for-profit organisations for infrastructure and asset projects that improve quality of life in the Mackay region. Funding can support new infrastructure or upgrades that deliver measurable social, economic, environmental, or health benefits to the local community.

What Is the Infrastructure Assets Grant Program?

The Infrastructure Assets Grant Program is offered by Mackay Regional Council to help local community organisations develop, upgrade, or improve infrastructure and assets.

The program is intended for projects that strengthen community organisations and provide lasting benefits for residents of the Mackay Regional Council local government area.

Supported projects should demonstrate clear community value and contribute to one or more of the following outcomes:

Improved community wellbeing
Social inclusion and participation
Environmental benefits
Health and recreation outcomes
Economic or community development
Improved facilities and community infrastructure
Stronger organisational capacity to deliver community services

Why Does This Grant Matter?

Community organisations often need infrastructure improvements to continue providing safe, accessible, and useful services. However, major asset purchases and facility upgrades can be difficult to fund through normal operating income.

The Mackay Regional Council grant helps eligible organisations invest in infrastructure that can provide long-term community benefits.

The assessment gives the greatest weight to the project’s expected community outcomes, meaning applicants should clearly explain who will benefit and how the proposed infrastructure will improve their experience.

Grant Amount

Eligible applicants can receive:

Maximum grant: $30,000 per project
GST: Grant amounts are stated excluding GST
Application rounds: Two rounds each financial year
Closing schedule: 11:59 PM on the first Sunday of October and April

Applications are assessed after each closing date, with funding decisions communicated within approximately two months.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is primarily intended for local community groups and not-for-profit organisations.

Eligible applicants must:

Be an incorporated not-for-profit association, or apply through an eligible auspicing organisation.
Be located within and provide services to the Mackay Regional Council community.
Be free of outstanding debt with Mackay Regional Council.
Have satisfactorily acquitted any previous Council grants.
Demonstrate the capacity to complete the proposed project.
Ensure the proposed project benefits the Mackay community.

Organisations should also ensure that the proposed project meets all applicable Council requirements and does not duplicate funding received for the same project in successive years.

Who Is Not Eligible?

Funding is not available to:

Businesses or commercial ventures.
Clubs holding a Gaming Machine Licence.
Projects that do not benefit the Mackay community.
Projects seeking funding for the same project in successive years.
Applicants that have not satisfactorily acquitted previous Council grants.
Organisations that do not meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

What Can the Grant Fund?

The grant supports the development or improvement of infrastructure and assets that contribute to community outcomes.

Eligible projects should focus on tangible improvements that benefit residents and strengthen the organisation’s ability to provide community services.

Applicants should demonstrate:

What infrastructure or asset will be developed or upgraded.
Why the investment is needed.
Who will use or benefit from it.
How the project will improve community outcomes.
How the organisation will maintain and use the asset after completion.

How Are Applications Assessed?

Applications are assessed against three main criteria:

Community Outcomes – 40%

This is the most heavily weighted criterion.

Applicants should explain the direct and measurable benefits the project will provide to Mackay residents.

Consider addressing:

Number and type of beneficiaries.
Community need.
Accessibility and inclusion.
Health, social, environmental, or economic benefits.
Long-term value of the infrastructure.

Project Priority – 30%

Applicants should demonstrate why the project is important and why funding is needed at this time.

Explain:

The problem or gap being addressed.
The urgency of the project.
What would happen without the investment.
How the project aligns with community priorities.

Organisational Capability – 30%

Applicants must demonstrate that they can successfully deliver the project.

Evidence may include:

Previous project experience.
Financial management capacity.
Qualified staff or volunteers.
Realistic project planning.
Appropriate quotations.
Ability to manage contractors and suppliers.

Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare the required supporting documentation before submitting their application.

Documents include:

Completed application form.
Detailed project budget using the required template.
Appropriate supplier or contractor quotations.
Consent letter from the property owner or lessor where building improvements are proposed.
Current financial statements.
Valid public liability insurance certificate.

Additional documentation may be required depending on the nature of the proposed project.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Confirm eligibility
Check that the organisation meets the incorporation, location, financial, and community-benefit requirements.
Define the infrastructure project
Clearly identify the asset or infrastructure to be developed, purchased, or upgraded.
Demonstrate community need
Explain the problem being addressed and identify the Mackay residents who will benefit.
Develop the project budget
Prepare a detailed budget using the required Council template.
Obtain quotations
Collect appropriate quotes based on the value and type of proposed expenditure.
Prepare supporting documents
Gather financial statements, insurance documentation, property-owner consent where applicable, and other required evidence.
Complete the application
Provide clear responses addressing community outcomes, project priority, and organisational capability.
Submit before the deadline
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the first Sunday of October or April, depending on the relevant funding round.
Await the assessment outcome
Applicants are expected to receive notification within approximately two months after the closing date.

Important Tips for Applicants

A strong application should make the community benefit immediately clear.

Applicants should:

Quantify the number of residents or community members who will benefit.
Explain why the infrastructure is needed.
Connect the project to specific community outcomes.
Provide realistic and well-supported cost estimates.
Use current quotations.
Demonstrate the organisation’s ability to manage the project.
Explain how the asset will be maintained after completion.
Ensure all previous Council grants have been properly acquitted.
Confirm that the project does not duplicate funding received in a previous year.

Avoid submitting a project description that focuses only on purchasing an asset. The assessment places significant emphasis on what the investment will achieve for the Mackay community.

Grant Recipient Responsibilities

Successful organisations must comply with the conditions attached to the funding.

Recipients are required to:

Acknowledge Mackay Regional Council’s contribution in publicity relating to the project.
Notify Council about relevant media opportunities.
Follow applicable child safety standards where relevant.
Use grant funding for the approved purpose.
Complete an acquittal form within four weeks of spending the grant funds.
Maintain appropriate records demonstrating how the funding was used.

Key Grant Details at a Glance

Program: Infrastructure Assets Grant Program
Funder: Mackay Regional Council
Location: Mackay Regional Council, Queensland, Australia
Maximum funding: $30,000 per project, excluding GST
Applicants: Incorporated not-for-profit associations or eligible auspiced organisations
Purpose: Infrastructure and asset development or upgrades
Assessment: Community outcomes 40%, project priority 30%, organisational capability 30%
Rounds: October and April each financial year
Deadline: 11:59 PM on the first Sunday of the relevant month
Decision timeframe: Approximately two months after closing
Acquittal: Within four weeks of spending grant funds

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum grant available?

The maximum grant available is $30,000 per project, excluding GST.

Who can apply for the Mackay Infrastructure Assets Grant?

Incorporated not-for-profit associations located within and servicing the Mackay Regional Council community can apply. Eligible organisations may also apply through an appropriate auspicing organisation.

Can a business apply for this grant?

No. Business and commercial ventures are not eligible for funding under this program.

How often can organisations apply?

Applications are accepted in two rounds each financial year, with deadlines falling at 11:59 PM on the first Sunday of October and April.

What documents are required?

Applicants need to provide a completed application, detailed budget, appropriate quotations, current financial statements, public liability insurance, and property-owner or lessor consent where building improvements are proposed.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are assessed on community outcomes (40%), project priority (30%), and organisational capability (30%).

When must successful applicants complete acquittal requirements?

Grant recipients must complete an acquittal form within four weeks of spending the grant funds.

Conclusion

The Mackay Regional Council Infrastructure Assets Grant Program provides up to $30,000 to help eligible not-for-profit and community organisations develop or upgrade infrastructure that creates lasting benefits for Mackay residents. The strongest applications will clearly demonstrate community need, measurable outcomes, project priority, realistic costs, and the organisation’s ability to deliver and manage the proposed investment.