John Bowler

John Bowler

Former Minister for Local Government; Employment Protection; Racing and Gaming; Goldfields-Esperance and Great Southern

    $1million available to benefit outer metropolitan areas

    10/06/2005 12:00 AM
     
    10/6/05

    Local Government and Regional Development Minister John Bowler today called for second round applications under the Outer Metropolitan Community Fund.

    The Outer Metropolitan Community Fund (OMCF) is targeted at communities in metropolitan local government areas immediately adjacent to councils that are officially part of the regions.

    “The OMCF supports outer metropolitan communities to undertake projects that encourage and promote sustainable development in their local area,” Mr Bowler said.

    The Gallop Government has committed $4million over four years to the fund and is an example of how the Government is providing new opportunities and jobs for Western Australians.

    “Grants between $5,000 and $50,000 will be provided, and a total of $1million is available,” the Minister said.

    “Projects that can be funded range from community development, planning and environmental initiatives to capital works initiatives supporting tourism, community facilities, telecommunications access and job creation.

    “One of the important aims of the OMCF is to promote partnerships where possible. The fund operates in such a way that the metropolitan councils involved play a role in identifying projects in partnership with local communities.”

    The first round of this program last year assisted 32 projects in the outer metropolitan areas. Examples of projects that have already benefited through the OMCF include:
    • the YMCA Mobile Youth Service for Bullsbrook and Gidgegannup;
    • construction of public toilets in Chidlow;
    • Armadale Safe Communities pilot program; and
    • a high speed data connection to Yanchep and Two Rocks.
    Completed applications must be received by close of business on Thursday, August 11.

    For more information, please contact the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on 9217 1500, Freecall 1800 620 511 (country callers only), or visit the website: http://www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au/regionDev/financialAssist/OMCF.asp

    Minister's Office - 9213 6500