The objective of thisfund is to provide projects that improve the lives of people who live in regional areas.

What types of projects are eligible?

Projects must be located in a regional LGAsuch as Lake Macquarie. Projects in the Newcastle LGA are unfortunatelynot eligible.

Youth-related projects must be for:

development of new or upgrades to existing infrastructure for young people; or

delivering programs for young people. Youth-related projects must be aligned to the areas of community, wellbeing, connectivity and work readiness. General community amenity projects must be for:

construction of new, or upgrades to existing, local community infrastructure

construction of new, or upgrades to existing, local sporting infrastructure

capital works related to street beautification and other public places that promote the health, happiness and wellbeing of the community

delivering programs that benefit the local community

infrastructure to assist the delivery of general community programs.

Projects must deliver benefits and outcomes that contribute to the program objectives. Applicants will be expected to establish monitoring procedures to demonstrate the delivery of the expected benefits. Applicants should work with their Local Member of Parliament, like myself, and their local communities to identify the priority needs for their area and ensure projects put forward for funding have demonstrated community support.

What are eligible project costs?

Project costs may include those associated with:

building local infrastructure

building a new website or app

delivering programs

exhibition displays

hosting an event.

Funding available

There is a total of $100 million available in this round, including at least $50 million for projects that improve the lives of young people (12-24 years old). The remaining funding can be provided for other local community and sporting infrastructure, street beautification, and community programs and events. Funds will be split across regional NSW according to a funding formula based on population and the cost of construction in each Local Government Area. Each eligible council will be informed in writing of the funding available for their Local Government Area.



Grant amounts

Projects must seek grant funding of $50,000 or more. Projects requiring grant funding of more than $1 million will only be considered where there is a financial co-contribution of at least 25 per cent of the total grant amount. The financial co-contribution may be from the applicant or other funding sources, but must be confirmed. Where a sports project is seeking over $1 million in grant funding, the applicant must obtain a letter of support from the relevant NSW state sporting organisation. All projects must commence within 12 months of the funding deed being signed and be completed within three years of the project announcement.

Key dates:

Applications open: 9am, Monday 1 July 2019

Applications close: 5pm, Friday 27 September 2019

Announcement of successful projects: January 2020