Eurobodalla Council along with and not-for-profit groups who have identified projects needing funding can now apply through the 2017 Community Building Partnership (CBP) program. CBP grants are available annually for community infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes. If your project is linked to the Council in any way then all that is needed is for them to acknowledge the project is worthwhile and to sign off a letter that says they support the project and endorse the grant application. As the CBP Grant is a 50-50 then if you are prepared to raise the other half of the funds required Council does not need pay anything. Council might advise however that they don't have the funds or the willingness to support any ongoing maintenance of a new structure as they have done with fishing pontoons for disabled access or facilities for youth like a skateboard features or less regionalised and more accessible exercise stations. If it isn't already listed in Council's Community Strategic Plan then most often it won't get approval, much to the disappointment of many who have heard about the CBP grants and keenly approached Council only to find themselves left disheartened and bewildered by the indifference shown for their ideas.
Above: One of the many new pontoons serving disabled recreational fishers up and down the NSW coastline paid for by Better Boating programs and Recreational Fishing licences
Above: Tuross residents continue to lobby Council for approval of a floating pontoon for disabled access to the many visitors to Tuross Lake and even with near full funding there remains continued resistance to take on new infrastructure with annual grants going by to other similar facilities up and down the NSW coastline.
So prepare yourself for that response if your project requires Council's endorsement even though funds for the project might be accessible. If Council says NO then that is final and can't be over ridden by the CBP grant or local member. The CBP program was established to ensure funding was available to support organisations that think first-and-foremost about the needs of locals wanting to progress the amenity of their community. Local sports clubs, charities and men’s sheds are just some of the groups that benefit from this program. These grants have benefited the community for many years and pay for much-needed improvements to local facilities promoting participation by the local community. If your organisation needs some extra funding for the building, refurbishment or enhancement of facilities, then take the time to carefully prepare your application. The Community Building Partnership program has awarded funding to more than 10,000 valuable community projects since it commenced in 2009. Applications for funding will be open from Monday 26 June and close on Monday 9 August. Before applying, applicants must read the program guidelines to check that both their organisation and proposed project are eligible. For more information, visit: www.communitybuildingpartnership.nsw.gov.au
