Eligible organisations in the Parkes electorate are being urged to apply for their share of $150,000 in funding under a new round of the popular Stronger Communities Programme (SCP).

Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the Coalition Government will fund up to 20 local community infrastructure projects across his electorate, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.

“Our local communities are the heart of the Parkes electorate and this investment in local projects under the Stronger Communities Programme is about invigorating these communities and supporting our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Coulton said.

“For this special round, grant funding will be up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs except for local governing bodies where grant funding will be up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.

“These grants will fund the sort of vital infrastructure projects that bring people together, while creating vibrant and viable communities.

“The last round of the SCP was hugely popular in my electorate. We saw some fantastic projects get up off the ground including chairs for the Coonabarabran Golf Club, a new ramp and automatic doors for the Local Post Office by the Baradine & District Progress Association and the installation of air conditioners at Tibooburra Sports Club and Tibooburra & District Progress Association.

“The benefits of these projects go far beyond the here and now, giving a huge boost to rural and regional areas that often rely heavily on community facilities.”

Mr Coulton said eligible organisations can access a preliminary project proposal form online for submission to his office (Note: Link below).

A local community consultation committee will be established to assist with identifying projects in the Parkes electorate for consideration by the Government. Applications for grant funding will be appraised against the official Guidelines.

Organisations shortlisted by the committee will then be invited by Mr Coulton to complete a formal online application, which must be submitted to the Department by 22 March 2021.

Under Round 6 of the Stronger Communities Programme, each federal electorate has received $150,000 to allocate towards successful projects, as part of a $22.65 million investment nationwide. For guidelines and additional information, see: www.business.gov.au/assistance/stronger-communities-programme.

Ends.

Important information:

In order to put forward an application for consideration under SCP Round 6, eligible organisations must:

• Complete a preliminary project proposal form, which is available here: Round 6 Stronger Communities Programme – Project proposal form
• Submit the form to the Office of Mark Coulton MP via email to mark.coulton.mp@aph.gov.au by Friday 29 January 2021. This form can also be submitted via mail to Suite 3, 153 Brisbane Street, Dubbo NSW 2830.

Media Contacts:
Mr Coulton – Anna Conn 0491 135 852