Eden-Monaro border community groups are eligible for grants from $25,000 from a new $10million NSW funding round which aims to help regional communities bounce back from the impacts of border restrictions.
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Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain said the recently announced NSW cross-border COVID recovery funding acknowledges the unique challenges border communities faced this year as a result of state border closures.
"Eden-Monaro border communities have had a horrendous couple of years with drought, bushfires, floods and the pandemic - and the ACT and Victorian border closures that dragged on for months this year were another incredibly challenging time for individuals and businesses in our region," Kristy said.
"A lot of businesses in Eden-Monaro rely on interstate travellers to survive, when the borders were closed, they were cut off from customers and their livelihoods.
"I welcome this funding round and encourage local councils, charities and community and sporting groups to consider putting in an application."
Eden Chamber of Commerce president Eric Wolske said the last round of major bushfire grant funding is on the cusp of being announced.
"If we are not successful in obtaining those, this round of recovery funding is coming in at the right time to support projects which are in the early stages of development and are on the Eden Recovery and Resilience Alliance priority projects document," Eric said.
Carina Severs of Eden Community Access Centre said the funding would be brilliant for the centre's community hub redevelopment project.
"We really need council to get the concept plan finalised so we can take advantage of opportunities like this," Carina said.
Kristy McBain said the funding could go towards a variety of projects including those aimed at improving telecommunications and digital connectivity, accessing water supply or delivering social and sporting clubhouses or halls.
"Our region has done it tough, and every little bit of assistance can make a difference," Kristy said.
Bega Valley Shire Council also welcomed the announcement of grant funding to support NSW border communities affected by the COVID pandemic.
A spokesperson said council are reviewing the guidelines to determine eligible projects that align with their priorities.
The $10million in funding will come from the COVID Recovery round of the Cross-Border Commissioner's Infrastructure Fund.
Interested applicants are invited to contact the Office of the NSW Cross-Border Commissioner with an outline of the proposed project. Expressions of interest close on January 28, 2022.
For more information go to https://www.regional.nsw.gov.au/our-work/ocbc/cross-border-infrastructure-fund
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Leah Szanto
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
