Grants up to $20 million to support new and inclusive high-impact tourism and event infrastructure projects that lead to increasing visitor numbers to regional NSW.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
- An overview of the Regional Tourism Activation Fund (RTAF)
- Every detail you will need to know
- Resources and help to get the grant
What is the Regional Tourism Activation Fund (RTAF)?
The Regional Tourism Activation Fund (RTAF) aims to accelerate the development of high-impact tourism and event infrastructure that will boost the appeal of destinations in regional NSW and attract more interstate and international visitors.
The fund will focus on developing new and enhanced visitor experiences and support projects that are accessible and inclusive for everyone.
RTAF level of support
Grant
- $500,000 to $20 million per project
- Up to 75% of total project costs
Co-contribution
- Cash co-contribution of a minimum 25% of total project costs
RTAF important dates
- Applications are currently closed
- Contact us via the contact page to register your interest
RTAF important details that you will need to know
RTAF objectives
The key objectives of the fund are to:
- accelerate the development of high impact tourism and events infrastructure
- increase the international appeal of destinations in regional NSW
- boost the visitor economy in regional NSW through increased visitation and job creation
- develop visitor experiences that utilise universal design principles and are accessible and inclusive for all
- ensure all visitors to regional NSW have unforgettable experiences that encourage repeat visitation
Organisations eligible for RTAF support
Applicants must be an incorporated entity and hold an ABN, ACN or be registered with NSW Fair Trading under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 or another Act.
Eligible applicants include:
- Local councils
- Joint organisations of councils or council groupings and associations
- Incorporated not-for-profit organisations
- Community organisations registered as incorporated associations
- Local Aboriginal Land Councils
- An Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006
Eligible council applicants are encouraged to work with private operators and industry organisations to identify potential partnerships. Public/private partnerships or partnerships with a NSW Government agency must be submitted by an eligible lead applicant responsible for delivering the project.
Eligible applicants must have or be able and willing to secure at least $20 million public liability insurance.
See the guidelines for full details of eligibility criteria.
Projects eligible for RTAF support
Examples of eligible project types include:
Nature-based tourism
- iconic walking and hiking trails
- aquatic and coastal projects, such as over-water walkways and major viewing platforms
- adventure trails that cover land and water experiences
- adventure cycling such as mountain bike and BMX trails
Arts, culture and events infrastructure
- Aboriginal tourism experiences
- major arts infrastructure
- cultural experiences including history and heritage projects
- major event and festival infrastructure
- major conference centre facilities
Projects must demonstrate they have the potential to be high impact, with visitation forecasts of increased numbers over a five-year period after the project is completed.
Projects should commit to accessibility and inclusion as a key feature of their project design and apply universal design principles that move beyond current day compliance standards to provide dignified and equitable inclusion for people with disability.
Projects should also have strategic alignment with the following NSW Government strategies:
- NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030
- 20-year Economic Vision for Regional NSW
- NSW Destination Management Plan
- NSW Disability Inclusion Plan 2021-2025
- NSW Aboriginal Affairs OCHRE Plan
See the guidelines for full details of eligible projects.
Projects and costs ineligible for funding include:
- business-as-usual costs
- core government activities or business operation and administrative costs
- NSW Government funded projects, except for new stages of the project
- marketing, advertising or product promotion, except where related to the projects and its success
- engaging or paying permanent employees
- financing costs
- capital expenditure on everyday business activities
- software and ICT equipment, except where related to the projects and its success
- rent and utilities unless related to the project
- staff training unless related to the project
- insurance costs
- HR costs
- depreciation of plant and equipment beyond the life of the project
- opportunity costs
- projects requiring ongoing funding or will proceed without funding
- buying or upgrading mobile equipment, except where related to the projects and its success
- retrospective funding
See the guidelines for full details of ineligible costs.
Information to prepare for the RTAF application
All applications must include:
- confirmation of the required co-contribution towards the project
- completed datasheet (template provided) including expected visitation, income streams, job creation and expenditure
- evidence of at least $20 million in public liability insurance or that willing to secure
- project plan (template provided) that outlines the project delivery timeline
- evidence of experience delivering projects of similar size and scope, or demonstrated capability to deliver the project
- evidence of the readiness of the project, including costings and supplier quotes, development applications and landowner’s consent and construction approvals (if applicable)
- letters of support for the project
- business case (template provided) for applications over $5 million
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for RTAF
Applications are made online using the SmartyGrants application system.
Book a no obligation discovery session with GrantHelper to increase your chances of success.
RTAF assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:
| Ref | Criteria | Weighting |
| 1 | Strategic alignment and visitor appeal – high impact visitor experience with a unique point of difference – alignment with relevant NSW Government strategies – evidence of support from relevant stakeholders – project supports private sector businesses | 30% |
| 2 | Economic outcomes – increased visitation to the destination over a 5-year period after completion – job creation and growth in the visitor economy – high value per visitor | 30% |
| 3 | Deliverability and affordability – sound project budget, operating model and governance structure – financial resources to deliver – management capacity and capability to deliver | 20% |
| 4 | Accessibility, inclusion and community – use of universal design principles alignment with Disability Inclusion Action Plan – evidence of a positive legacy for the community – consideration of sustainability and environmental impact – opportunities for disadvantaged community members during construction and operation | 20% |
See the guidelines for full details of assessment criteria.
RTAF resources
Scroll down for a sample of previous recipients.
How do I get RTAF?
Applicants are encouraged to consult with the relevant Destination Network prior to applying.
Projects that maximise investment from the applicant, Commonwealth Government and/or other industry contributions will be viewed favourably.
You should read and understand the guidelines.
You need to ensure your organisation is eligible for the funding. Organisations that do not meet all of the eligibility criteria outlined above will not be considered.
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- alignment with the fund objectives and relevant NSW Government strategies, as well as the support of relevant stakeholders
- high impact reflected in increased visitor numbers and positive economic and community outcomes
- a new or enhanced visitor experience that is accessible and inclusive to everyone
- the financial capacity and necessary management expertise to support successful completion of the project within the agreed timeline
I need help applying for grants
Check out our How to Prepare Before You Apply insight to help you reduce the stress levels when you apply for a grant.
Check out our How to write a successful grant application to learn some time-saving tips to make the grant writing process easier.
Our in-depth eBook is the single most valuable resource you will find that helps organisations to truly understand how to win government grants.
Download our eBook to discover grant-winning secrets
Our free eBook features 10 chapters of expert advice, professional tips and more to help you do better with grants, whether you’re new to the process or you’ve applied before.
Get your copy of the Guide to Winning Grants now.
Is your business eligible for this government grant? Or perhaps you’re not sure and want to know more?
GrantHelper offers a range of government grant services, helping businesses of all sizes to discover, apply for, and win the best grant opportunities. We can help you with anything from finding the right grants, to writing your application, formulating an ongoing grant strategy, and more.
Get started now by filling in the form below, or tap the ‘Book a Discovery Call’ button to schedule a no-obligation virtual meeting with an experienced government grants consultant.
Prefer to talk? Call 0409 478 850 now for a no-obligation discussion. We’re here to help your business better understand grants, submit your best possible application, and get you in the winners’ circle.
Check out some of the clients we’ve helped and what they had to say about us.
Sample of previous RTAF recipients
| LGA | Project | Awarded funding |
| Shoalhaven | The Living Estuary Immersive Experience | $496,560 |
| Gilgandra | The Meeting Place: Gilgandra Aboriginal Experience | $305,450 |
| Griffith | Regional Wine Hub – Cellar Door, Shop & Market Space | $450,000 |
| Broken Hill | Royal Flying Doctor Service Broken Hill Outback Heritage Visitor Experience | $5,500,000 |
| Cobar | The Great Cobar Museum Mine Walk and Underground Experience | $2,126,400 |
| Kyogle | Mallanganee Observatory – look up, look down, look out | $2,067,694 |
| Temora | Warbird Simulators and Self Guided Audio Tour | $438,110 |
| Berrigan | Bullanginya Arts Walk Incorporating Patterns in Nature Light and Sound Show | $814,160 |
A map of previous recipients and project details is available on the nsw.gov.au website.
