The federal government is setting aside a further $250 million to fund infrastructure projects and services for regional communities.
Applications are now open for round 6 of the government's Building Better Regions Fund, paving the way for new projects.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce says the government is focused on ensuring the regions remain strong and grow into the future.
"Regional Australians deserve the same services and opportunities that people in metropolitan cities have and the building better regions fund helps make this happen," Mr Joyce said in a statement.
"That's why we've committed another $250 million for projects and initiatives that will transform communities, create new jobs and drive economic growth across regional Australia."
Mr Joyce, who is currently in isolation in Washington DC after attracting COVID-19, believes backing regional communities will help secure Australia's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This latest investment in new projects will build on the 298 fantastic regional projects that shared in $300 million in funding under the last round of the building better regions fund," he said.
Funding under round six takes the government's total investment through the BBRF to $1.38 billion.
Applications close on February 10, 2022.
