Nationals Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson, is encouraging the local community to put in applications for the latest round of the Community Building Partnership program.
The program secures investment for local infrastructure projects that aim to deliver positive social, environmental, and recreational outcomes, while promoting community participation and inclusion.
Since its inception, almost $400 million has been put towards more than 18,000 projects across NSW, including a replacement motor vehicle for Marine Rescue, Forster Tuncurry Lions Club Trampoline & Mini Putt Putt Refurbishment, St John Ambulance Manning-Great Lakes Community Hall Upgrade and a community kitchen for First Steps Count Child and Community Centre.
Mrs Thompson said while any funding for Myall Lakes is welcome, it is disappointing the program has been cut down by 25 per cent.
"It's great to see the Labor Government has elected to keep this highly-successful program, but the fact remains they have reduced the amount from a maximum of $400,000 per electorate to $300,000, which means it obviously won't go as far.
"Community Building Partnerships isn't about big-money items. It's about those little projects that make a big difference in our community, which means the $100,000 shortfall could stop four or five projects from getting across the line.
"I will always fight for every dollar I can get for Myall Lakes and it is disheartening that we will get less support, but I hope that doesn't dissuade people from putting their ideas forward."
Catholic Care Social Services Hunter-Manning was successful in receiving Community Building Partnership grant funding in the 2020 round.
"We are so grateful for the addition of our new two door commercial fridge at the Forster Community Kitchen! It has revolutionised the way we forward plan our meals. It has also boosted our capacity to receive and store fresh fruit and vegetable donations. Our volunteers love it. We can't imagine operating without it," said Sue Abdoo, Community Support Coordinator.
Eligible community groups and local councils can apply for grants between $5000 and $150,000.
