- Coalition Government extends Stronger Communities Programme to a fourth round
- The 2018-19 Federal Budget announcement will see local Members of Parliament invest directly in key community organisations by delivering infrastructure upgrades
- Members of Parliament will soon invite selected local organisations to apply for up to $20,000 in grant funding from a pool of $150,000 in each electorate
The Coalition Government has committed an additional $22.5 million in Budget 2018-19 to continue the highly successful Stronger Communities Programme (SCP).
Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the fourth round of the program would ensure funding was available for a range of important community infrastructure projects such sporting facilities and community halls.
“This Budget continues the Coalition Government’s commitment to building strong communities with extensions to vital community grants programs that invest directly in economic and social infrastructure,” Dr McVeigh said.
“In the first three rounds of the Stronger Communities Programme we funded over 5000 projects, ranging from a new modular stage at the Kiama Showground, NSW; support for a men’s shed in Albany, WA; and a transport vehicle for dialysis patients in Sarina, QLD.
“The Coalition Government will fund up to 50 per cent of costs for successful projects from a pool of $150,000 in each electorate, delivering more than 1,000 further projects in this round.”
Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen MP said the additional investment for a fourth round of SCP would ensure that local decision making continues to play a decisive role in funding community building projects.
“Our region has been very successful under previous rounds of the Stronger Communities Programme, seeing projects like a new playground for Beenleigh Special School, or new equipment for a number of local sporting clubs delivered,” Mr van Manen said.
“Grants will be available between $2,500 and $20,000 for successful applications and I invite organisations within the community to put forward their attractive, high-quality, projects for assessment.”
For more information on the Stronger Communities Programme, including application guidelines, visit: http://regional.gov.au/regional/programs/national-stronger-regions-fund.aspx
