Community organisations in the Kiama Electorate can now apply for the next round of funding for local projects under the New South Wales Government’s Infrastructure Grants program, Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said today.

Mr Ward said Infrastructure Grants support new or upgraded community facilities across sport and recreation, emergency preparedness and arts and culture.

“I encourage local organisations to consider applying for a project that will help make a real difference to our local community,” Mr Ward said.

“These projects bring people together to enjoy new or improved sports, recreation, arts and cultural facilities, or help improve community safety in times of emergency.

“During this term of government, $50 million in Infrastructure Grants is being provided to communities across New South Wales.”

The Member for Kiama said that the funding comes from the Clubgrants Category 3 program, which enables registered clubs to reinvest profits from gaming machine revenue to benefit local communities.

“Recent improvements to the program have created more chances to apply for funding and encouraged more diverse projects,” he said.

“Instead of one round of funding each year, there are now four rounds, while a streamlined application process has cut red tape and led to faster assessment.”

Funding ranges are $50,000 to $200,000 for arts and culture, $10,000 to $200,000 for emergency preparedness and $100,000 to $300,000 for sport and recreation.

Applications for the next round of Infrastructure Grants are open from 1 to 20 November.

For more information including details on how to apply for grants, visit <www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/Pages/about-us/our-initiatives/infrastructure-grants.aspx>

MEDIA: Gareth Ward 0401 499 933 or Ben Blackburn 0423 466 358