Locals with ideas for community projects are being urged to speak up as the drought continues.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Gunnedah Shire Council is asking for proposals it can consider funding under the new Community Resilience Program after committing $1.2 million to the program in October.
Ideas should aim to stimulate local spending, provide employment, include the use of local businesses and suppliers, and deliver a long-lasting benefit to the community. Approved projects will be funded next year.
Read also:
Earlier this month, councillors voted to include the project applications left over from the Drought Communities 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," Gunnedah shire mayor Jamie Chaffey said.
"Council lobbied the state and federal governments and we now have a program worth $3.2 million.
"The funding is intended to provide immediate short-term support and lead to long-lasting benefits across the shire.
"We are looking forward to seeing what the community will come up with next."
Projects 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
- Gunnedah shire mayor Jamie Chaffey
Council's project manager Colin Formann said they wanted as many project submissions as possible.
"Online submissions are now open and need to outline the project including expected costs and timeframes," Mr Formann said.
"Projects must be able to be completed by December 2020 but projects that are ready to start earlier will be looked upon favourably."
The first round of applications will close on February 7 and further rounds may be considered, "depending upon demand".
Once the submissions are shortlisted, the council will work with successful applicants to create more detailed proposals.
Community Resilience Program objectives:
- 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).
How to apply
To submit a proposal, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8YKMJ57
For more information on the eligibility criteria, phone (02) 6740 2100 or refer to the program guidelines at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8YKMJ57
An information night for applicants will be held on January 16 at 6pm in the council's training room at 63 Elgin Street.
