Rural and Remote Teaching Infrastructure Grants Now Available

Rural and regional general practices are invited to apply for grants to build facilities which will enable them to take on more GP trainees and  registrars.
The program guidelines for the Rural and Remote Teaching Infrastructure Grants program is available on the Department of Health’s website.
Assistant Minister for Health Fiona Nash said the Government committed $52.5 million over three years in the Budget to help general practices in regional and rural locations to expand facilities.
“Grants of up to $300,000 are available to help practices upgrade their facilities, with the general practice to also provide matching funding.”
Minister Nash said a minimum of 175 infrastructure grants will be available for existing rural and regional general practices in Australian Standard Geographical Classification – Remoteness Area 2 to 5.
“This investment in general practice and the primary care workforce will not only strengthen the general practice workforce but also enhance the training of doctors, GP registrars and medical students in regional and rural settings to give patients in country communities better access to health services.
“Moreover, opportunities for medical students and registrars to experience rural and remote practice will help foster interest in careers in these areas, boosting the rural and regional health workforce.  “We know from the evidence that people often choose to stay and work in areas where they have trained.”