The NSW Nationals in the state government have unveiled a $10 million plan to help regional communities bounce back from border closures.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the money will come from the COVID-19 Recovery round of the Cross-Border Commissioner’s Infrastructure Fund for projects to help regional communities recover from the impacts of border restrictions.
Mr Toole said border communities have faced some of the biggest challenges in the state’s history over the last few years – a crippling drought, fires, floods and a global pandemic – and this fund would deliver vital infrastructure that helps them get back on their feet.
“We are committed to getting regional NSW back on track, especially the cross-border communities that carried an additional burden when borders closed due to COVID,” Mr Toole said.
“The Cross-Border Commissioner’s Infrastructure Fund works with other jurisdictions to ensure cross-border communities don’t miss out on local projects like better telecommunications and digital connectivity, accessing water supply or delivering social and sporting clubhouses or halls.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure our cross-border communities have been supported over the last few years. This fund has already delivered seven game-changing projects since it rolled out in 2018, from recreation facilities in Mungindi, to a new golfing precinct at Cobram-Barooga.”
Regional councils, community and sporting groups, and charities can now apply for the latest round of grants from the value of $25,000 to deliver projects within three years.
Interested applicants are invited to contact the Office of the NSW Cross-Border Commissioner with an outline of the proposed project.
The COVID recovery round expressions of interest close on January 28, 2022.
To lodge an expression of interest and for further information about the fund, including program guidelines go to www.regional.nsw.gov.au/our-work/ocbc.
Applicants can contact the Office of the NSW Cross-Border Commissioner by email at enquiries@cbc.nsw.gov.au.
