NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services Andrew Stoner is urging mining affected regional communities to put up their hand for assistance through the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions 2014-15 program.
“In 2014-15, eligibility for funding under the Resources for Regions program has been broadened to more local government areas (LGAs) than ever before,” he said.
“For the first time, communities in the Cessnock and Maitland LGAs will be able to apply for funding, along with existing eligible Hunter communities of Muswellbrook, Singleton and Newcastle.
“That means we expect a lot of interest from across the State, so it’s important to get Expressions of Interests in early. The guidelines are now available and must be submitted by 15 August.”
Resources for Regions funding is designed to support projects that provided physical and social infrastructure to local governments, businesses, non-government groups and community groups in mining affected areas in NSW.
“Mining is an important contributor to the NSW economy, but it puts extra pressure on everything from schools to hospitals, roads to recreational facilities and housing to childcare services.”
“The NSW Government recognises the need to provide tangible support to these communities to help relieve that pressure and ensure long term economic viability. Resources for Regions is just one way we are doing that.”
The NSW Government has committed $217 million to Resources for Regions over four years. So far, $128 million has been allocated to 24 projects across regions affected by mining activity.
In 2012-13, the NSW Government allocated $10 million under the Resources for Regions program to four successful projects including the Muswellbrook Hospital Emergency Department upgrade, Herbert Street Bridge replacement in Broke, Bridgeman Road – New England Highway intersection upgrade, and Pioneer Road extension, Hunterview.
Project nominations are once again invited from NSW Government agencies, local councils, community groups, local businesses and non-government organisations.
The Resources for Regions program is open to projects that cater for both economic and social infrastructure.
Economic infrastructure includes roads, rail, local facilities to improve the movement of freight, airports, public transport, local water and sewerage projects.
Social infrastructure includes schools, hospitals, recreational facilities and child care services as well as projects that support affordable housing and aboriginal employment and businesses.
