Regional and rural communities affected by mining can now apply for a share of $32 million made available by the NSW Government through the Resources for Regions Program.
Minister for Regional Development John Barilaro is encouraging local communities to work together to develop strong applications for funding.
“Applications to fund economic and social infrastructure projects are now open to communities in local government areas (LGAs) outside the Sydney metropolitan area that have been affected by mining,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Mining is an important contributor to the NSW economy, but it puts extra pressure on community infrastructure.
“The NSW Government is working hard to relieve that pressure to ensure long term economic viability for regional communities and the Resources for Regions Program is just one way we are doing that.
“Since 2012, over $207 million has been allocated to mining affected communities throughout the State and the NSW Government will continue to support economic growth and productivity in the regions.”
Minister for Industry, Resources and Energy, Anthony Roberts, said Resources for Regions recognises the important contribution mining makes to regional NSW.
“Mining not only contributes significant royalties to the State to help build our roads, schools and hospitals, it supports more than 100,000 jobs in NSW,” Mr Roberts said.
“The Resources for Regions Program is another great example of regional communities benefiting from mining activities that take place in their area.”
Expressions of interest will close on 7 April 2016.
For more details about the Resources for Regions Program, please visit www.industry.nsw.gov.au/resourcesforregions