THE federal government has announced that communities around Kimba and Wallerberdina Station can now each apply for up to $2 million worth of grants under a new Community Benefit Program.
Applications open today for the program, which is for communities that were involved in detailed consultation about hosting Australia's National Radioactive Waste Management Facility.
Grants of between $5000 and $1m will be available for eligible projects under the program, with the government accepting applications until August 11.
Local infrastructure upgrades, services, youth engagement and mental health initiatives are just some of the projects that local communities can consider when completing their applications.
Community groups, indigenous organisations, local businesses, not-for-profits and local councils are some of the entities eligible to apply for grants.
Federal Resources Minister Keith Pitt said the $4m in total funding would deliver long-term benefits to eligible communities.
"This investment will support the communities through projects and initiatives that can further build and diversify local economies as well as improve community wellbeing," he said.
"The guidelines were developed in consultation with the local consultative committees to meet their economic and socio-economic needs, and I thank them for their input into the process."
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said this round of grants was a demonstration of the ongoing commitment that the federal government has to this process.
"For the Hawker and Flinders Ranges Council community, it will be the final cash injection and I thank them all for the time and effort they put into examining the opportunity," he said.
"For Kimba, it will mark the end of the decision-making phase, with a clear majority of residents looking forward to the legislation getting passed and works beginning.
"The community benefit grants will enable both communities to make significant improvements with a range of projects."
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Barndioota Consultative Committee convener Paul Thomas said the new funding would provide a boost to Hawker and surrounding communities, within the 50km boundary.
"This new funding can deliver important social and economic benefits and I encourage the community to work together on identifying key projects that could provide long-term benefits," he said.
"The funding recognises the long involvement that the communities around Wallerberdina Station had with this process, and while ultimately it did not proceed here, it is great that we will get some community benefits following what was a pretty significant effort."
Kimba Consultative Committee convener Allan Suter also welcomed the funding.
"I am sure the Kimba community will welcome this additional funding and put it to good use to improve outcomes across the community," he said.
"This community has dealt with drought and now COVID-19, as well as a simultaneous general downturn in population. So new funding for our town will be welcomed."
The new program builds upon the $5.76m invested across 57 projects and initiatives in these communities since consultation on the proposed facility commenced in 2017.
- Details: Grant guidelines can be found at business.gov.au/Grants-and-Programs/
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