Published Friday, 11 January, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Funding scheme allows rural communities to take charge of their future
Rural and remote communities wanting to take charge of their future have another opportunity to receive a helping hand from a Queensland Government Blueprint for the Bush initiative.
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the State Government was providing $7.42 million over three years through the Blueprint’s Our Place Our Future initiative.
He said through this initiative, regular rounds of funding were offered to support projects that would increase the capacity of rural and remote communities to manage their futures.
Mr Pitt said two categories of funding were available – one for planning and engagement, and another for project implementation.
“Planning and engagement funds are designed to help communities develop plans or strategies that may lead to longer-term projects,” he said.
“Project implementation funding is available for projects that activate existing community plans, social plans or strategic plans.
“To be eligible for this category of funding, applicants will need to show that they have already worked with their communities to establish priorities and plans.
“This may include leadership development and training, projects that celebrate local history or activities that attract investment and skilled workers to rural communities. Communities can also apply for help with local cultural development activities.
“The applications will need to show evidence that all sections of the community will have input into the project. For this reason I expect each application to be as unique as the community from which it comes.”
The Department of Local Government Sport and Recreation will accept applications throughout the funding period with closing dates this year of 3 March, 2 June, 1 September and 24 November.
More information about the funding initiative is on the www.dlgsr.qld.gov.au website.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the State Government was providing $7.42 million over three years through the Blueprint’s Our Place Our Future initiative.
He said through this initiative, regular rounds of funding were offered to support projects that would increase the capacity of rural and remote communities to manage their futures.
Mr Pitt said two categories of funding were available – one for planning and engagement, and another for project implementation.
“Planning and engagement funds are designed to help communities develop plans or strategies that may lead to longer-term projects,” he said.
“Project implementation funding is available for projects that activate existing community plans, social plans or strategic plans.
“To be eligible for this category of funding, applicants will need to show that they have already worked with their communities to establish priorities and plans.
“This may include leadership development and training, projects that celebrate local history or activities that attract investment and skilled workers to rural communities. Communities can also apply for help with local cultural development activities.
“The applications will need to show evidence that all sections of the community will have input into the project. For this reason I expect each application to be as unique as the community from which it comes.”
The Department of Local Government Sport and Recreation will accept applications throughout the funding period with closing dates this year of 3 March, 2 June, 1 September and 24 November.
More information about the funding initiative is on the www.dlgsr.qld.gov.au website.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819