Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith today announced that community, sports, multicultural and faith-based groups, non-government organisations, Local Aboriginal Land Councils, universities, Local Councils, registered charities and more can now apply for WestInvest funding as the $1.6 billion Community Project Grants program opens to registrations of interest.
The program is open to registrations of interest from eligible organisations today for local infrastructure projects to secure the best quality of life for families and make West and South-West Sydney even better places to live.
Eligible projects must be based in one or more of the 15 eligible west and southwest Sydney Local Government Areas, and must target one of the six focus areas:
- Parks, urban spaces, and green space;
- Enhancing community infrastructure such as local sporting grounds;
- Modernising local schools;
- Creating and enhancing arts and cultural facilities;
- Revitalising high streets;
- Clearing local traffic.
Stuart Ayres said the allocation of $1.6 billion to community grant projects would get important local projects off the ground.
“Any eligible organisation with a great idea to improve liveability in west and south-west Sydney can now register to find out if they are eligible to apply for WestInvest grants to fund a project in their community,” Stuart Ayres said.
“So often, community-based organisations have a great idea to improve a neighbourhood but don’t have the resources to make it happen– these WestInvest Community Project Grants will help turn those ideas into a reality.
“Local organisations know their community best – you live in the neighbourhood and you know what projects would make a real difference.”
“This is not about motorways and tunnels – this is about local projects for local people. It could be the local park that needs a new playground, a rugby league club that needs a new clubhouse, a neighbourhood that deserves a local swimming pool.
“If you or your organisation has a great idea and the capability to deliver it, I urge you to visit the WestInvest website check your eligibility, register and apply today.”
To ensure that WestInvest funds projects that will truly make a difference, successful applicants must be a registered organisation, own the land or provide written approval from the land owner and provide evidence that they can fund the operation and maintenance of the infrastructure into the future.
Applicants will be advised of the outcomes of the ROI process before grants open for eight weeks from 2 May, 2022 until 27 June, 2022.
The $5 billion WestInvest program is designed to fund transformational infrastructure projects that will enhance communities and help create jobs in Western Sydney.
In addition to the $1.6 billion in grants for community projects opened today, $400 million in non-competitive funding will be allocated directly to each of the 15 eligible local councils.
All councils will be receiving a minimum of $20 million, with additional funding available on a pro-rata basis up to a maximum of $35 million per Council, (based on population size) to secure community benefits by expediting local projects.
A further $3 billion is available to NSW Government agencies to deliver transformational projects that are ready to go and will benefit local communities
To find out more about WestInvest, find out if your organisation is eligible and to access grant application support, visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest
