Consider yourself lucky if you were one of our community groups who was granted funding under the most recent round of the Stronger Communities Program, because when they handed down their Federal Budget in May, the Labor Government has tossed that, and other programmes onto the scrap heap.
Not only has the Prime Minister – Anthony Albanese and his government abolished several Coalition Grant Programs including the Stronger Communities Program, but they’ve also put the red mark through the very successful Building Better Regions Programme and Community Development Grants Programme.
It disappoints me to no end, because the Stronger Communities Program alone has provided $150,000 every year for the past eight years to Community Organisations within the Forde Electorate, which have benefitted our local community. My Electorate Office had over 37 applications for funding in 2023.
This year, the Stronger Communities Program has delivered more than $107,864.00 to the Forde Electorate alone. Those who have benefited include:
Quota International – Beenleigh – IT Equipment $2,692.00
Albert School of Arts – Bathroom renovation $15,000.00
Logan Make and Do Association Inc $9,735.00
Phoenix Ensemble – Electrical Safety Upgrades $10,000.00
Park Ridge Connect – Storage Shed $15,000.00
The Mini Farm Project – Purchase of Equipment $15,000.00
Australian Technology College – Commercial Kitchen $17,970.00
Kingston East Neighbourhood Centre – Outdoor Equipment $2,500.00
Autism Qld Ltd Greenbank – Video Conferencing Kit $4,967.00
Ormeau Progress Association – Toilet Block Renovation $15,000.00
The Federal Labor Government also delayed the delivery of the current round of the Stronger Communities Program, with applications only closing in late May. Some projects are under a review, and we’re still awaiting news on these.
What will replace the Stronger Communities Program is still unclear, with no guidelines released yet from the Federal Government. But one thing is clear – Anthony Albanese is out of touch with the challenges facing our local communities. It seems the only thing he cares about is saving the bottom line….
