Grants for stronger communities open again

COMMUNITIES across Australia are set to share in $22.5 million to improve local infrastructure and provide essential community equipment with applications now open for Round 4 of the Stronger Communities Program.

Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the program is aimed at funding projects that deliver social benefits and form part of the Coalition’s continuing commitment to strengthen communities across Australia.

“Our local communities are the heart of this great country and the investment in local projects under the Stronger Communities Program is about invigorating these communities and ensuring their continued success.

“The program will fund small capital projects in each of the 150 federal electorates, which can range from upgrading the local community hall or sporting facility, building new bike paths, or providing essential equipment for the local SES.

“These are the sorts of vital projects that bring our communities together, strengthen our social connections, build community participation and create vibrant and viable communities into the future.”

Each electorate will receive $150,000 to allocate towards successful projects, with a maximum of 20 projects to be funded per electorate.

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson said the additional investment for a fourth round of SCP would ensure that local decision making continued to play a decisive role in funding community building projects.

“Our region has been very successful under previous rounds of the Stronger Communities Program.

A broad range of local projects have been funded, including disability facilities for the Ocean Grove Tennis Club pavilion, the construction of the Kennett River Wildlife Walk and the refurbishment of the Barwon Heads Community Hall.

“Grants will be available between $2,500 and $20,000 for successful applications and I now invite organisations within the community to put forward their attractive, high-quality, projects for assessment.”

Applications close on October 11. To express your interest, phone the electorate office on 5243 1444.

Grant guidelines, eligibility requirements and the application process can be found at business. gov.au/scp.