Community richly rewarded as Council works for big grants

A long-term strategy to attract major government investment in our shire has paid big dividends recently, with a direct result of improved community resources across the map.

Kempsey Shire Council has had extraordinary success with state and federal grant applications over the last few years, securing big investments across an impressive range of projects.

A grants status summary presented at the November ordinary meeting of Council identified 59 successful grant applications that are funding ongoing or future works, and only one rejection.

The list of projects includes five multi-million dollar grants for major water and sewer projects, $10 million for the Verge and Eden Sports Fields, $2.5 million for the Mid North Coast High Performance Centre, $11.2 million for the Macleay Valley Adventure Park and $2.4 million for the Armidale Road guardrail project.

Some of the major projects completed or approaching completion that have been made possibly by Council securing funding include the replacement of Turners Flat Bridge, the revitalisation of the Stuarts Point Foreshore and the upgrade of Stuarts Point Road.

Council are still seeking additional funds to further improve life in the community. There are nine grant applications awaiting an outcome for projects including an inclusive playground at Hat Head and the replacement of 60 timber bridges throughout the Local Government Area.

With several new grant funding streams recently announced including the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and Fixing Local Roads Program, Council is preparing applications.

You can apply for grants as well

Many government grants are not restricted to Councils but are open to a variety of organisations. Community groups, business and not-for-profit organisations can apply for a range of government funding for projects.

Council encourages the community to keep an eye out for grant opportunities by signing up to grant hub and by watching out for the announcements of resilience funding for community groups.

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