Last week the guidelines for the National Stronger Regions Fund were released by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss.
The National Stronger Regions Fund will invest $1 billion over 5 years in economic development projects and small scale community infrastructure across Australia. The Fund will provide up to 50 per cent of funding for projects between $20,000 and $10 million.
Projects can include the construction of new infrastructure or upgrades and enhancements of existing infrastructure. The Fund is designed to provide economic benefits to the regions and this is especially important for areas of disadvantage.
I am proud to be a part of the Government instituting this regional development programme. Smaller communities continually do an amazing job of recognising local needs in the community and raising funds for local projects. This Fund acknowledges the strength in regional communities and offers an avenue to get local projects off the ground.
Applications for Round One are now open and I encourage community groups to find out more about the guidelines for eligible projects at www.infrastructure.gov.au/nsrf. Round One Applications close on 28 November 2014. Applications through Round Two of the National Stronger Regions Fund are expected to open on 1 May 2015. Questions about the application process can be emailed to: nsrf@infrastructure.gov.au.
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Communities, volunteer organisations and individuals are now able to apply for grants between $20,000 and $100,000 to help set up a 20 Million Trees project. This is a part of the Coalition’s election commitment to invest $50 million over the next four years into re-establishing native vegetation. The competitive grants are also open to schools, local councils, conservations groups and landholders.
These projects can be carried out on private or public land and are a key part of the Government’s commitment to investing in natural resources. The 20 Million Trees Programme contributes to an overall investment of over $2 billion in natural resource management over the next four years.
Applications through the 20 Million Trees Programme are now open and will close on 30 October 2014.
Project guidelines for the competitive grants provide individuals and organisations with the information they need to apply for funding to start a tree planting project in the community.
More information about the 20 Million Trees programme is available at www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees.
