Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann MP, is encouraging eligible community and sporting groups in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and the Karana Downs region to apply for the next round of grants in the Stronger Communities Programme.

The Stronger Communities Programme is now open and will fund a maximum of 20 projects of between 2,500 and 20,000 in Blair.

Mr Neumann said the programme was an excellent opportunity for community organisations to access some Federal Government funding.

“This funding provides eligible organisations an opportunity to inject some money into the various projects being completed by groups in the electorate of Blair. I would encourage groups to contemplate about how this money could assist them.”

Despite the rollout of this fund, Mr Neumann lamented the lack of money spent by the third term Coalition Government in the region.

“While I’m glad there is some money available under this programme, community organisations in Blair have been completely forgotten by this Government over the best part of a decade.”

Previous successful initiatives under the program include:

• $20,000 for the Blackstone United Welsh Church to provide accessibility upgrades.
• $19,000 for C&K Redbank Plains RSL Sub Branch to install a disability ramp. $15,000 for the Marburg and District Residents Association inc. to establish a museum at the Historical Precinct
• $10,000 for the Lowood Show Society to install a toilet block.

The programme is intended to improve local community participation and contribute to vibrant and viable communities.

The grant amount will be up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.

More information about the programme can be accessed at https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/stronger-communities-programme  or  by contacting Mr Neumann’s office on 3201 5300.