The centrepiece of the announcement was the $1.3 billion Regional Growth Fund.

The Regional Growth Fund is made up of a number of separate funds, with each fund dedicated to a specific area of need.

One of those funds is the Stronger Country Communities Fund, which has $200 million to invest in projects chosen by local communities. 

The Stronger Country Communities Fund is the first of its kind in regional NSW, using ‘choice-modelling’ to build the projects that communities want and need.

This is an exciting opportunity for residents to have their say on local amenities, and then see them get built over the next two years, ultimately improving the lives of people in the community.

The Stronger Country Communities Fund is intended to support the refurbishment or development of new or existing community facilities including libraries, parks, walking and cycle pathways, health centres, halls and playgrounds.

I strongly encourage community groups to speak to their state members of parliament and local councils about submitting applications that will make a difference to their local community.

The Stronger Country Communities Fund will support projects of at least $100,000, but typically in the range of $250,000 to $1 million. 

Your local state member and councils are waiting for your ideas and I can’t wait to see these projects come to fruition.

Applications for the first tranche of the fund close 9 August 2017 so get in soon and make your voice count.

For more information on the Stronger Country Communities Fund and how to apply, visit  www.industry.nsw.gov.au

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW 

John Barilaro