Funding of up to $300,000 supporting regional tourism projects across Queensland, showcasing new attractions, upgraded visitor facilities, eco-lodges, glamping, agritourism, ecotourism, and unique stargazing adventures.
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What is the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund?
Queensland’s regions are home to extraordinary landscapes, experiences, and tourism potential. To build on these strengths, the Queensland Government has launched the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) — a $20 million initiative aimed at addressing critical gaps in regional tourism infrastructure and delivering long-term economic benefits to regional communities.
The program complements the broader Tourism Icons Investment Fund under the Destination 2045 Plan, supporting the development of new and enhanced tourism infrastructure across Queensland. It is designed to increase visitation, extend visitor stays, and boost spending in areas outside of South East Queensland, ensuring that tourism growth is shared equitably across the state.
Through funding rounds of $5 million annually over four years, the RTIF will help develop sustainable, innovative, and accessible tourism experiences that strengthen Queensland’s position as a premier national and international destination.
Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund level of support
- The Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund provides funding of up to $300,000 per project.
- Applications seeking more than $300,000 may be considered at the discretion of the assessment panel.
- There is no minimum grant amount specified.
Co-contribution:
- Not required.
- However, any project costs exceeding the awarded grant amount must be covered by the applicant.
Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund important dates
- Applications Close: Wednesday, 12 November 2025
- Announcement of Successful Applicants: February 2026
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund objectives
The RTIF aims to support the development of new and improved tourism infrastructure and experiences in regional Queensland. It aligns with the Destination 2045 Plan, helping to:
- Strengthen Queensland’s tourism offering and international competitiveness.
- Enhance the visitor experience across regional areas.
- Stimulate economic activity and job creation both during construction and operation.
- Encourage sustainable, environmentally responsible tourism growth.
- Increase visitor numbers, extend length of stay, and drive visitor spending in regional communities.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund support
Eligible Projects
Projects must be located outside South East Queensland and align with the Queensland Government’s Destination 2045 Plan or relevant Regional Destination Management Plans.
Examples of eligible projects include:
- Development of new tourism attractions and experiences highlighting Queensland’s natural or cultural assets.
- Upgrades or expansions of existing visitor facilities.
- Creation of eco-lodges, glamping sites, and sustainable accommodation options.
- Ecotourism and agritourism initiatives connecting visitors with nature and local produce.
- Infrastructure that enhances accessibility or inclusivity for visitors.
- Stargazing, cultural, or adventure-based experiences that celebrate regional identity.
Projects must be construction-ready within six months of funding approval and ideally completed by 31 March 2028.
Ineligible Expenditures
Funding cannot be used for:
- Maintenance or repair of existing infrastructure.
- Projects already commenced or completed.
- Feasibility studies, planning, or conceptual design work.
- Marketing, advertising, or website development.
- Salaries, wages, or employment-related costs.
- Real estate purchase or leasing.
- Event delivery, festivals, or temporary installations.
- Soft furnishings, décor, or removable equipment.
- Environmental offset or compliance costs.
- General business administration, legal, or operational expenses.
Other Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund support
Applicants must:
- Be a Queensland tourism operator established for more than 12 months, or a new/interstate operator actively establishing operations in Queensland with demonstrable tourism benefits.
- Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Be registered for GST.
- Operate within one of the eligible Local Government Areas outside South East Queensland.
Eligible applicants include:
- Local Government Authorities
- Tourism operators and businesses
- Not-for-profit organisations
Preference will be given to operators with Sustainable Tourism accreditation or equivalent, demonstrating strong commitment to environmental and community standards.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed by an independent panel based on three weighted criteria:
 1. Alignment with Government Priorities (40%)
Projects must demonstrate strategic alignment with Queensland Government priorities, particularly the Destination 2045 Plan: Delivering Queensland’s Tourism Future. This includes:
- Contribution to new or enhanced tourism products and experiences.
- Consistency with regional or state-level tourism strategies.
- Technical, commercial, and practical feasibility and viability.
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2. Economic Benefits (30%)
Applicants must clearly show how their project will deliver measurable regional economic benefits, including:
- Creation and ongoing support of jobs in tourism and related sectors.
- Flow-on benefits for accommodation, hospitality, retail, and transport.
- Long-term regional economic stimulation.
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3. Drive Demand, Tourism Growth, and Deliverability (30%)
Projects should demonstrate capacity to attract visitors, increase demand, and contribute to local tourism growth. Proposals must include:
- A clear, achievable timeline with readiness to commence construction within six months.
- Evidence of project planning, permits, approvals, and detailed designs.
- Risk management and delivery plans showing capacity to complete on time and within budget.
How do I get the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
To successfully receive funding, applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong strategic alignment with Queensland Government priorities, particularly the Destination 2045 Plan and regional Destination Management Plans.
- Clear tourism benefits for the region, including increased visitation, longer stays, and higher visitor spending.
- Economic impact, showing how the project will create jobs and provide flow-on benefits to local industries such as hospitality, retail, and transport.
- Environmental and social sustainability, particularly if incorporating eco-tourism or inclusive design principles.
- Project readiness, with permits, approvals, designs, and planning well advanced, and the ability to commence construction within six months of funding approval.
- Financial viability, demonstrating that the project is feasible, achievable, and capable of being delivered on time and within budget.
- Community and stakeholder support, including in-principle support from local councils and Traditional Owners where relevant.
- Robust risk management, outlining how project risks will be mitigated throughout development and delivery.
Successful projects will be selected based on their capacity to strengthen Queensland’s regional tourism offering, create lasting economic benefits, and deliver high-quality, sustainable visitor experiences.
Information to prepare for the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund application
Applicants should prepare:
- A comprehensive project plan with objectives, scope, and expected outcomes.
- Detailed costings and budgets (GST exclusive).
- Evidence of approvals, designs, and permits.
- Letters of support from the relevant Local Government and Traditional Owners (if required).
- Risk management plan.
- Details of project readiness and delivery capacity.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund
Applications must be submitted through SmartyGrants.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund resources
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