Innovative community projects will help guide the future of Australia’s oldest harbour, the Port of Newcastle. Applications are now open for Round Eight of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole said up to $2 million will be available under Round Eight for projects that will revitalise the Port and surrounding areas for the community and visitors.

“The Port of Newcastle is a vital economic, industrial and tourist hub and this round of funding will help deliver projects that will further showcase the area’s rich history as well as provide economic stimulus and a boost to tourism,” Paul said.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government understands the potential of the historic Port of Newcastle and we continue to showcase that supporting projects will benefit the wider community and give visitors even more reasons to stay.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Taylor Martin said areas surrounding the Port have seen significant revitalisation in recent years through projects undertaken by local groups.

“The Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund has backed 41 diverse and high-quality projects worth $6.9 million since 2014, which are all helping to deliver ongoing benefits for the Newcastle community,” Taylor said.

“The program recently delivered funding for projects including the restoration of the Stockton Community War Memorial, the expansion of a sailing program for people with disabilities and upgrades to the Carrington Bowling Club.”

The Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund provides grants of between $50,000 and $500,000 for projects that benefit the environment, public domain, infrastructure, heritage restoration, activation, smart technology, or communities.

The increase of the minimum grant amount to $50,000 under Round Eight will enable the Fund to attract larger-scale community infrastructure projects, delivering increased public amenity to the area.

IMAGE | Newcastle Harbour.