Monday, 28 August 2017
COMMUNITY groups and local councils from across the Northern Tablelands will tomorrow learn how to access their share of the State Government’s new $1.3 billion Regional Growth Fund to help grow the region’s economy, upgrade sporting facilities and develop cultural icons.
Representatives from the Northern Tablelands’ six local government areas (LGAs), including business groups, will gather in Inverell for the meeting to discuss the six major streams of the Regional Growth Fund – ensuring their applications for funding have the best chance of success.
Local State MP Adam Marshall arranged the information session and said the funding criteria was designed to benefit communities large and small.
“Whether it’s enhancing existing playgrounds, providing disability access for community halls, constructing brand new sporting infrastructure or refurbishing a local folk museum, there’s a very broad range of interesting ideas that can be considered over the next two years of funding,” Mr Marshall said.
“Councils and the NSW Government are looking for projects that either build upon a community’s unique strengths or provide entirely new activities and opportunities for regional people.
“This workshop will put our councils and chambers of commerce within earshot of the funding decision-makers, who will give them practical advice about how to maximise benefit for our local communities.”
Mr Marshall has extended the invitation to local businesses, community and indigenous groups, charities and sporting clubs.
“With so much funding on offer, this workshop is a unique chance to present your plans to improve our local communities,” he said.
“This $1.3 billion in funding will fund major visionary projects over several years and the community has a unique chance to get involved.”
The Regional Growth Fund workshop will provide information on six major funding streams, including the following:
Stronger Country Communities Fund, a $200 million program to fund infrastructure that improves amenities and strengthens social bonds in regional NSW;
Connecting Country Communities Fund, a program to invest in communications infrastructure to drive productivity and boost connectivity for all;
Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund, a $100 million fund to build regionally significant sporting projects with a $1m+ capital cost;
Growing Local Economies Fund, a $500 million program to build infrastructure that will grow regional centres, and drive job creation for the broader area; and
Regional Cultural Fund, a $100 million program to fund cultural facilities in country areas, supporting bold ideas and creative visions with several tiers of funding;
Regional Growth Fund Community Information Session
Inverell Council Chambers, 144 Otho Street
Tomorrow (Tuesday, 29 August) 11am to 1pm