Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced more than $9.3 million is available in Round Three of the Stronger Country Communities Fund in the Cootamundra electorate.
The NSW Government has allocated an additional $100 million for infrastructure and programs that benefit the community and local youth, with at least $50 million earmarked for projects aimed at young people from 12 to 24 years old.
“The Stronger Country Communities Fund has delivered some fabulous projects across the Cootamundra electorate in its first two rounds, so I’m delighted to be able to announce $9,336,122 in the third round,” Ms Cooke said.
“We’ve seen some amazing projects which bring enormous benefits for communities, such as improved sporting facilities, upgraded community meeting areas, new playgrounds and swimming pool upgrades.
“These improvements bring not only social and health benefits for so many people, they also improve local economies through the employment of local tradies and by encouraging tourism.
“This time around we are looking for projects which will benefit younger members of our communities, so I’d love to see ideas coming from youth groups and maybe the junior sections of sport clubs.
“I promise to do everything I can to help all of the Councils across the electorate and other eligible organisations to prepare applications for Round Three funding and talk about what the community wants and needs, to ensure we make the most of this fantastic funding opportunity.”
Minister for Regional Youth Bronnie Taylor urged young people living in the Cootamundra electorate to think about the local infrastructure and programs they would like to see funded and share those ideas with Ms Cooke and eligible organisations.
“These are projects making a real difference to regional communities, such as sporting field lights that allow night-time play, and community hall upgrades, and I can’t wait to see the delivery of $50 million in youth infrastructure and programs,” Ms Taylor said.
Applications open on July 1 and successful projects will be announced from January onwards. For further information and the program guidelines, go to www.nsw.gov.au/SCCF
A breakdown of funding for the Local Government Areas in the Cootamundra electorate is as follows:
- Bland Shire $776,820
- Coolamon Shire $768,762
- Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional $1,548,054
- Cowra Shire $808,992
- Hilltops $2,334,526
- Junee Shire $777,827
- Narrandera Shire $776,578
- Temora Shire $777,945
- Weddin Shire $766,618
