Funding pledge delivered

An election promise to the country’s struggling newspaper industry has been fulfilled by the Albanese Government, delivering a $15 million lifeline to 208 papers, including The Moorabool News.

The Regional and Local Newspaper Publishers (RLNP) forms part of the Government’s $29 million local news and community broadcasting transition package, helping print publishers absorb newsprint price increases.

Acting-Editor of the Moorabool News, Lachlan Ellis, said the funding is very timely.

“It is always appreciated receiving any sort of government funding that we apply for,  and this grant will definitely help with the ongoing printing and production costs that have risen this year.”

A total of 222 applications were received across four funding streams: Stream 1 (regional publishers), Stream 2a (independent, suburban publishers), Stream 2b (multicultural publishers), and Stream 2c (First Nations publishers).

In total, 133 grants were awarded to eligible regional publishers from the $10 million available under Stream 1, and 78 eligible independent suburban, First Nations and multicultural publishers received a share of the $5 million under Stream 2. Three applicants will receive funding under both Streams 1 and 2.

Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said local news is critical to so many communities across Australia.

“This announcement delivers on our election commitment to help newspapers adjust to significant price increases in newsprint,” she said.

Publications can use grant funding to cover printing costs during the Grant period, purchase or lease of assets and equipment, the costs of acquiring technology to assist with printing, or any other costs that directly support the printing of core news content.