With two lots of government funding allocations available, Parkes Shire Council said it is in a fortunate position to apply for community infrastructure projects.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The funding available is through the Australian Government's Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI Program) for $1.3 million and the NSW Government Resources for Regions Fund for $1.67 million.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a new $500 million LRCI Program in May to accelerate priority projects that will help stimulate local economies following the impacts of drought, bushfires and COVID-19.
The Parkes Shire has been allocated $1.3 million to support council for local road improvements and social infrastructure projects.
"This is great news for our community and will in some small way play a role in helping our community recover from the devastating economic impacts of three years of drought, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic," Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM said.
"We want to ensure that this funding has lasting economic and social benefits for our region, so it's important the community help to identify their priority projects and get to have their say, that really helps councillors with the decisions of where to allocate these funds."
Eligible projects must involve the construction, maintenance and/or improvements to council-owned assets that are generally accessible to the public.
Projects will need to deliver benefits to the community, such as improved accessibility, visual amenity and safety benefits.
The Resources for Regions (R4R) program demonstrates a commitment by the NSW Government to support mining-impacted communities in NSW. The program aims to support the ongoing prosperity of mining communities in regional NSW by providing economic opportunities, improved amenity and positive social outcomes.
Up to $50 million in funding has been allocated across identified eligible Local Government Areas in NSW, with $1.67 million available to the Parkes Shire.
Council said all projects must deliver public benefit and cannot be a privately-owned asset and must mitigate the impact of mining on local infrastructure or deliver new economic opportunities, improve community amenity and well being.
Council has compiled a list of potential projects for both funding programs and locals are invited to help shortlist these.
There are 20 listed projects for the LRCI Program and 13 for the R4R program.
The projects are diverse across the entire shire and range in costs from $20,000 to $2.5 million.
Head to www.yoursay.parkes.nsw.gov.au to like or comment on a proposed project, or contribute your own ideas.
Voting closes Friday, July 31.
The information gathered will be used by council to make an informed decision on the final list of projects to be submitted to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications for consideration.
Council will need to complete LRCI project works by June 30, 2021 to receive their full nominal share of funding, but R4R projects have a longer delivery time frame, with three years for completion.
ALSO MAKING NEWS: