RESIDENTS of the south-west have about a fortnight left to tell the state government how to spend at least $1 million on projects as part of the Pick My Project initiative.
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The state government said Pick My Project was a grassroots democracy program backed by a $30 million funding pool spread across the state, giving every community the chance to benefit.
Projects between $20,000 and $200,000 will be eligible under the program, with funding spread between the nine regional partnership regions, which include the Great South Coast region, and six metropolitan partnership areas. The state government said at least $1 million was available for each partnership region.
A state government spokesperson said about 700 submissions for funding had been received so far for Pick My Project including more than 80 from the Great South Coast region.
Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford said the government’s regional partnerships had shown “that locals know best, and that is exactly what this fund is about – putting community funding decisions back in the hands of communities”.
A list of projects seeking funding will be listed on the Pick My Project website at pickmyproject.vic.gov.au after July 8 when people can vote for individual initiatives.
All Victorian residents aged 16 and over will be able to submit their idea for consideration under the program.
Proposals will need the backing of a local organisation, community group, school, local council, or other eligible group able to help deliver the project.
Ideas could include anything from sporting and recreation infrastructure, community arts projects, improvements to community facilities or the local environment.
Projects will need to be feasible and have landowner consent, but there will be no restrictive guidelines meaning many local priorities that fall between the cracks of other grant programs will now be eligible for funding.
Communities will then get to vote for the projects they think are most important, giving local residents the first and final say on the best way to improve their local area.
Winning projects will be announced in September.
The deadline for funding submissions is July 8 and submissions should be made to pickmyproject.vic.gov.au
While we’ve got you – do you want to make your voice heard before the state election? Here is your chance.
