Community groups on the Sunshine Coast could benefit from Federal Government grants of up to $20,000 each for local infrastructure and essential community equipment under the latest round of the Stronger Communities Programme, open for applications now. Community organisations in the Sunshine Coast Federal electorate of Fisher will share a total of $150,000 in this round.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said that up to 20 projects in the southern and central Sunshine Coast would be funded, with grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 available. To reflect the challenges of COVID-19, this year’s grants can be used in most cases to cover 100 per cent of eligible project costs without the need for co-funding.
“There has never been a more important time to support our local community groups. A lot of people on the Sunshine Coast have struggled during the past 12 months, and our volunteer groups have made all the difference for many. These grants are going to give local volunteers the capacity to do more, and help get our community through this tough time.”
Groups in Fisher who have previously been funded as part of this Programme include Metropolitan-Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club who received $9,000 for a new patrol trailer, RoboCoast Sunshine Coast Robotics Association who received $13,775 to purchase robots, laptops and training mats for training sessions in schools; and Montville Village Association who received $13,500 for construction of a covered deck and upgrade of disability access at the heritage listed Montville Village Hall.
“We have already seen last year how projects funded by this programme can help rebuild our local economy after the COVID crisis and support community groups and small local construction businesses who are doing it tougher than ever. I encourage all eligible organisations on the Sunshine Coast to consider potential projects to bring forward, as this kind of funding can be the kickstart that gets your project off the drawing board and into reality.” he said.
“This is why I am excited to now have another round of funding available to support even more projects here in Coast as we continue to band together to reinvigorate our local economy, businesses and communities.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said 2021 was all about driving the nation’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and strengthening communities plays a vital role in this.
“As a proud regional Australian who lives, works and represents this vital piece of our nation’s identity, I know first-hand that a strong regional Australia will be key to our economic recovery and future,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This program has already committed funding to over 10,000 projects across Australia, locally driven projects which make a real difference in our communities. Previous rounds have been highly successful, providing up to $112.65 million for vital local projects such as community halls, men’s sheds, inflatable rescue boats and disaster recovery generators which bolster community amenity and wellbeing. Our Government is keeping all cylinders firing when it comes to backing our regions and metro areas and paving the path to economic recovery.”
“This builds upon the recent opening of Round 5 of the Building Better Regions Fund, which will see local communities share in $200 million for community infrastructure and investment across our regions, including $100 million in funding dedicated to tourism-related infrastructure. Communities can rest assured our government is with them every step of the way and together, we will come out the other end of this pandemic stronger than ever.” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
Applications are open now and organisations in Fisher which are interested in applying should contact the Office of Andrew Wallace MP on 07 5493 5556 to request an Expression of Interest Form. Expressions of Interest must be submitted to the Office of Andrew Wallace MP by Friday 19 February 2021 to be considered for this program. For more information on the Stronger Communities Programme visit www.business.gov.au/assistance/stronger-communities-programme