Prosperous Precincts Grant Program

Make Your Mark on a More Vibrant Rockhampton

Breathe new life into Rockhampton with up to $5,000 of matched funding to improve our main streets through the funding of initiatives and activations with the Prosperous Precincts Grant Program. If you've been waiting for a sign to upgrade your shopfront, improve pedestrian access or create an attraction to draw visitors into Rockhampton City, this is the opportunity for you!

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What is the Prosperous Precincts Grant Program?

The Prosperous Precincts Grant Program is designed to promote innovative and creative solutions to enhance core areas of Rockhampton, through funding to improve our main streets and fund community initiatives and activations.

This discretionary funding program was created to take a place-based approach to achieving economic and community benefits, foster community-led initiatives and promote engagement between Rockhampton Regional Council and local businesses.

The grant supports covers two project types:

  • Modern Precincts Stream - The Modern Precincts Stream provides funding to support businesses and landowners to improve the appearance and patron experience of their property, enhance the streetscape appeal, attract patronage and stimulate the economy.  
  • Connected Precincts Stream - The Connected Precincts Stream provides funding to assist in the delivery of initiatives that provide community development outcomes, public realm improvements, building a stronger link between the business community, visitors, and residents of the Region.  

Matched funding of up to $5,000+GST is on offer to cover a maximum of half a project's cost.

Here are some images which may inspire you:

Who is the Prosperous Precincts Grant Program for?

The Prosperous Precincts Grant Program is open to property owners, tenants, individuals, community organisations and businesses. Projects falling under the Modern Precincts stream will be eligible to businesses and property owners within the area of Rockhampton highlighted below, while Connected Precincts projects must be delivered within the highlighted area.

If you are a tenant, please ensure you have written permission from the property owner before commencing any work. It is a requirement that applicants are free of debt to Rockhampton Regional Council.

CBD Grants Map.jpg

How much funding can I get for my project?

Funding of up to $5,000+GST can be awarded, to cover a maximum of 50% of a project's overall cost. Projects with a total cost exceeding $10,000 are encouraged to enter, however will not receive more than the $5,000+GST cap.

Funds will be reimbursed upon the successful completion of an Acquittal Report, and funding is awarded on a case-by-case basis until the allocated budget has been spent or the scheme ends. Submitting an application does not guarantee a grant or a specific grant amount, and each project proposal will be subject to a comprehensive review.

To encourage economic stimulus within the Rockhampton Region local goods and services should be used wherever possible.

Funding Example

GST registered

Project Over Grant Limit - Hospitality Business 'Capricornia Cafe' has a project of $14,000.00 (excl. GST). The grant amount payable is $5,500.00 (incl. GST).

Project Under Grant Limit - Community Group 'Rocky Roadside Art' has a project costing $880.00 (incl. GST). The grant amount payable is $440.00 (incl. GST).

Non-GST Registered

Project Over Grant Limit - Hospitality Business 'Capricornia Cafe' has a project of $14,000.00 (excl. GST). The grant amount payable is $5,000.00 (excl. GST).

Project Under Grant Limit - Community Group 'Rocky Roadside Art' has a project costing $880.00 (incl. GST). The grant amount payable is $400.00 (excl. GST).

How will applications be assessed?

Applications for the Prosperous Precincts Grants Program will be assessed by a panel, and measured according to the below matrix.

 Criteria  Weighting

The project demonstrates value for money (for example, quality of the project, how large of an impact will the project have on the community or the economy, achieving more with less)

Up to 25%

The project has planning, budgeting and management in place (for example, experience of delivery in a similar project, project risk management plan, business plan, detailed project budget).

 Up to 10%

 The project considers sustainable and resilient outcomes and aligns with Council's Sustainability Strategy (for example, innovation in waste management, accessibility and reconciliation practices, environmental conservation).

 Up to 10%

 The extent to which the project contributes to the guiding principles of the policy.

 Up to 55%

 

Principles of economic and community development include:

  1. Stimulate local spend and employment opportunities to achieve targeted economic growth;
  2. Improve the variety of recreational, social and cultural activities, programs and services available to residents of the Region;
  3. Promote the relationship between the community and the precinct, and community activity, including visitation;
  4. Enhance the capability and sustainability of business in the precinct;
  5. Catalyse inward commercial investment; and
  6. Improve community experience and character of the locality.

What timelines are in place for my application?

Please take note of the following timelines when considering your project for Prosperous Precincts Grant Program funding:

  • Applications Close - Monday February 10, 2025
  • Projects must be complete by - Monday April 26, 2025

FOR MORE INFORMATION

This page is intended as a guide only, to get you started with your grant application.

Please review the full documents (PDF) below for further information:

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Advance Rockhampton to discuss their project before submitting an application.

contact advance rockhampton

Advance Rockhampton Economic Development team

The Advance Rockhampton team is here to help with your grant application.

Phone: + 61 7 4936 8282
Email: advancerockhampton@rrc.qld.gov.au