Local Nationals MP Terry Redman has welcomed a funding increase to the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Program.
The $22.5 million third round of the program will mean communities in regional WA will once again have access to up to $150,000 per federal electorate. Member for Warren-Blackwood, Terry Redman said small grants were big contributors to local projects. “Continuing the Stronger Communities Program means more projects in regional WA will receive funding.” Applications for round three of the grants will open mid-2017, and will match dollar-for-dollar contributions from community groups up to $20,000. Mr Redman congratulated Federal Nationals Ministers Fiona Nash and Darren Chester on ensuring the Stronger Communities Program funding continued. “The National Party understands the importance of small grants to local communities,” Mr Redman said. “This ongoing funding is important for regional development, and I commend the Federal Government on this initiative. He said that The Nationals in Western Australia had made sure regional development funding over the last eight years included regional projects of significance through to small grassroots support. “Over the last eight years Royalties for Regions has delivered hundreds of small grants to community organisations,” Mr Redman said. “Regional Grants Scheme and Community Chest Fund supported projects have improved our communities and assisted in delivering essential services.” “Our State Labor Government needs to come clean on whether or not they will continue these grants as part of their changes to Royalties for Regions.” Member for Warren-Blackwood, Terry Redman, stated he was disappointed that the newly released Federal budget outlined underwhelming funding for mobile communication towers.
“You would think that something as fundamental as regional communications would be a priority,” Mr Redman said. Up-to-date communication technology is vital for regional businesses, agricultural practices and tourism, as well as the safety of families. “Nothing will unlock the economic potential of regional WA like communications technology,” Mr Redman said. The Nationals WA committed $105 million of Royalties for Regions funding over 8 ½ years towards 344 new mobile phone towers in regional WA. In contrast the Federal budget only provides for $60million for the whole of Australia for 2017-18 to 2019-20. “I find it interesting in the Federal budget announcements that reference is made to the number of mobile towers that have been built in WA, yet there is no reference to the significant Royalties for Regions contribution made by the WA Government.” “With communications a Federal responsibility, I am extremely disappointed that such a trivial amount has been allocated for regional phone towers in the budget,” Mr Redman said. |
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The Greenbushes Community Resource Centre has been serving the community of Greenbushes since 1995. Archives
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