18 December, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking proposals for community projects that will stimulate local spending, provide employment and use local businesses and suppliers while delivering a long-lasting public benefit.

The Council’s Community Resilience Program will fund approved projects in 2020 to stimulate the economy and help build Gunnedah Shire’s strength and resilience during adverse events like this drought.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Gunnedah Shire Council had led the way for other councils to tackle the impact of drought by establishing the Community Resilience Program.

“Gunnedah Shire Council has committed $1.2 million to ensuring our community not only gets through this difficult time, but diversifies and builds on our strengths to ensure we are well placed to face any challenges in the future,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Council lobbied the State and Federal governments and we now have a program worth $3.2 million. This is significant support from all levels of government.

“We are now able to look at expanding upon projects that were delivered through the Drought Communities Fund in early 2019 and we are looking forward to seeing what the community will come up with next.”

Council is now asking that community groups, service clubs and sporting groups submit project applications for an initial assessment. Projects need demonstrate a public benefit and could include improving community facilities, maintenance of public spaces or building infrastructure to improve our ability to respond to adverse events.

“The funding is intended to provide immediate short-term support and lead to long-lasting benefits across the Shire,” Cr Chaffey said.

To be successful, a nominated project must lead to the employment of locals, contribute to the economic activity of our region or lead to the retention of businesses, services and facilities.

Council’s Project Manager Colin Formann said Council wants to encourage as many project submissions as possible.

“Online submissions are now open and need to outline the project including expected costs and timeframes. Projects must be able to be completed by December 2020 but projects that are ready to start earlier will be looked upon favourably,” Mr Formann said.

“The first round of applications will close on the 7th of February and further rounds may be considered, depending upon demand. Once the submissions are shortlisted, Council will then work with successful groups to create more detailed applications.”

The seven objectives of the Community Resilience Program are to:
• Deliver economic stimulus to the local economy
• Provide local employment and support local purchasing
• Address water and other utility conservation
• Sustain the community social fabric, health and wellbeing
• Provide a public benefit and lasting legacy
• Strengthen long-term community resilience, and
• Support and co-ordinate efforts with others (government and non-government).

Projects delivered through the program will be assessed against these objectives.

Proposals will be accepted via this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8YKMJ57

For further information about the eligibility criteria call (02) 6740 2100 or refer to Gunnedah Shire Council - Resilience Program - Community Grants Stream Guidelines.

An information night for applicants will be held on January 16 at 6pm in the Council Training Room at 63 Elgin Street.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.