MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall today announced that a workshop would be held in Moree to assist local businesses, council and not-for-profit organisations apply for funding under round two of the Murray Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program.
Mr Marshall said the Australian and NSW Government’s had allocated a further $14.1 million to assist regional communities most impacted by the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
“I would like to encourage Moree district businesses and not-for-profit organisations in particular, as well as Moree Plains Shire Council, to attend the workshop which is designed to help applicants develop a strong application and provide support and advice on the funding streams,” Mr Marshall said.
“The funding program is all about creating opportunities for more jobs, strengthening business confidence in a local economy which has struggled with the repercussions of the water buybacks through the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
“Our region has been impacted more than most other parts of the basin and following the disappointing round one outcome, I am very confident funds will be distributed to many worthwhile projects in the northern basin in this round.”
Mr Marshall said in this round more than $14 million will be available across two funding streams to projects with the potential to drive significant job outcomes or support small businesses, small capability building projects and economic development projects that support economic diversification.
“As part of the $14.1 million allocation, the Energise Enterprise fund is a $4.1 million investment in small businesses and capability building projects, with $25,000 one off grants or $40,000 matched grants available for projects that encourage businesses to develop skills or focus on small community economic development projects,” he said.
“This is a new funding pathway encouraging businesses to work with local councils and not-for-profits to fund projects to diversify, strengthen and build resilience in their local economies.
“The Regional Business Investment Fund – $10 million is available for business investment projects which may include: business expansion, business establishment and infrastructure projects.”
The workshop will be held at the Moree Services Club, 3 Albert Street on Thursday, 10 December and will be hosted by the Office of the Small Business Commissioner.
For more information please visit www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund