$100K TO BE ALLOCATED TO BOURKE COMMUNITY GROUPS
Applications Close 21st January 2019
Background
On 19 August 2018, the Australian Government announced it would boost the Drought Communities Program by $75 million and provide initial support of $1 million to 60 eligible councils in 2018-19 to support local infrastructure and other projects for communities and businesses who have been impacted by drought. Prior to Christmas, Bourke Shire Council received confirmation that projects lodged it has lodged were successful. This included a $100,000 allocation for projects in Bourke and District to be undertaken in consultation with community and an additional $100,000 which has been identified for allocation amongst the villages within the shire. In total Bourke Shire Council has received $200,000 from the Drought Communities Program for economic stimulus in the Bourke Shire.
The fund is designed to stimulate local economies and increase the “liveability” of our communities. Examples of projects might include, but are not limited to;
- Sports grounds – new fence or toilets
- Club houses / halls – WHS compliant kitchen, disabled toilets, disabled access ramp
- Meeting rooms – painting rooms or purchase furniture
The objective of the Drought Communities Program is to deliver benefits in drought declared Council areas, by supporting investment in local infrastructure initiatives. Projects that will be approved by Council will include;
- Infrastructure projects that provide employment for people whose work opportunities have been impacted by drought;
- Stimulate local community spending;
- Use local resources, businesses and suppliers;
- And/or provide long-lasting benefits to communities and the agricultural industries on which they depend.
The fund is open to not for profit, community and sporting groups.
Applications and application guidelines are available for download below:
To progress applications, organisations must first contact Councils Manager of Environment, Mr Dwayne Willoughby to discuss project eligibility and ensure they will “fit” into the Drought Communities criteria.
It is anticipated that your discussions with Dwayne will assist in the determination of the following;
- Projects that are eligible to receive funding and the priority of projects
- Ensure projects are within reason and will fit the $25,000 funding allocation
- Determine possible local suppliers – labour and materials (suppliers must have ABN and insurances)
- Confirm a start date and end date (All projects must be completed by 31st May 2019, this is a requirement to ensure projects are acquitted as determined by the funding body)
Dwayne can be contacted at dwilloughby@bourke.nsw.gov.au or by mobile telephone on 0428 467 905.
Your organisation will be required to project manage, liaise with Council staff on developments and provide progress reports for Council to engage and pay suppliers and acquit funds with the funding body.
If you have any questions or queries in relation to this letter please contact either;
- Dwayne Willoughby – dwilloughby@bourke.nsw.gov.au or by mobile on 0428 467 905
- Belinda Colless – bcolless@bourke.nsw.gov.au or by mobile 0428 281 678