10/10/00
Regional communities now have a great opportunity to turn their good ideas into real projects.
Regional Development Minister Hendy Cowan today announced that grants of between $5,000-$100,000 are now available to community and voluntary organisations, local government and State Government agencies.
The new grants scheme is part of the State Government’s commitment to implement its comprehensive Regional Development Policy which was launched earlier this year. The policy has 23 main objectives for achieving economic growth and social well-being in the regions and eligible projects must fulfil one or more of these objectives.
More than $1.6 million has been set aside in 2000-2001 for the grants under the Regional Development Policy Implementation Projects Scheme, providing an opportunity for a significant number of projects in a wide range of areas to receive assistance.
Mr Cowan said applicants must be able to show that their project will result in positive outcomes for the community such as job creation, skills development or population growth.
“Regional communities have many good development ideas and local groups are well placed to know what is needed to lift their community,” he said.
“What they don’t always have, however, are enough funds to bring those ideas to fruition.
“The grants scheme gives regional communities the opportunity to identify suitable projects and see them through to completion.
“Helping communities to help themselves is one of the underlying principles of the Regional Development Policy.”
Applicants must show their commitment to the project by providing some in-kind support or financial backing.
Further information on eligibility criteria and application guidelines is available from Regional Development Commissions or from Michael Walker, Regional Development Division, Department of Commerce and Trade on freecall 1800 628 767 or email: miwr@commerce.wa.gov.au.
Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222-9595
