The state government says now is the time for residents across the region to consider which projects will provide the most benefit to their local area and choose what they would like funded as part of the NSW Government's My Community Project program paid for by the NSW Generations Fund.
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Last week Acting Treasurer Damien Tudehope encouraged communities to get involved in supporting their favourite submissions. Voting opened on Monday and residents can now cast an online vote for between three and five of 43 nominated projects across the Northern Tablelands electorate - 15 of which are in Armidale.
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"My Community Project is an innovative program that puts decision-making in the hands of community members," Mr Tudehope said.
"We asked people to think about what their community needs, develop those ideas with a sponsor and then tell us how funding could turn that concept into reality.
"People have put a lot of work into their applications, so I'd encourage everyone to have their say and pick their preferences from the list of projects in their area."
Mr Tudehope said more than 1,500 project ideas had been submitted across 93 electorates.
"Voting is easy to do. All you need is your Medicare card and a free MyServiceNSW account, which also provides quick and easy access to a wide range of NSW Government services, such as the CTP Green Slip refund for eligible policyholders.
"If you prefer face to face support, you can also pop down to the local Service NSW centre, where staff can help you cast your vote at digital kiosks."
While the campaign could be seen as a drive to increase MyGov registration numbers, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said it was an opportunity for residents to have a direct say about which projects should be delivered in their local community.
a great example of real grassroots democracy in action
- Dominic Perrottet
"My Community Project is a great example of real grassroots democracy in action, it asked people to think about things their community needs, develop those ideas with a sponsor and tell us how funding could turn that concept into reality," Mr Perrottet said.
In Armidale, the following projects are seeking funding:
- Armidale Golf Club wants to create safe access to the cart sheds at the club by installing a new concrete path and railings;
- the Armidale Pipe Band Corp wants new snare and bass drums, including relevant harnesses and drum skins;
- the proposed Armidale Playhouse stage 3 renovations will create a licensed 110 seat theatre for small scale performances by local and visiting groups;
- the Armidale Rowing Club wants to encourage girls and women to participate in learn to row classes using static rowing machines at Malpas Dam;
- the Armidale and Region Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place wants to unlock the creative potential of aboriginal women for social impact or business success through its Empowering Aboriginal Women through Entrepreneurship program;
- the Armidale Urban Rivercare Group wants to rehabilitate a weed infested 180 degree bend in Dumaresq Creek and create a viable, beneficial and effective wetland;
- the Police Citizens Youth Club wants to create an Armidale Outdoors Community Area where members of our community can come and interact outdoors in a safe inclusive area;
- At Kelly's Plains Public School they want to purchase and install an inclusive, nature-based play space, to improve community health and wellbeing through participation in physical activity;
- Regional Development Australia Northern Inland wants a one-stop Armidale Region Community Services Hub to connect people and families to existing support services;
- the Armidale Tennis Club wants to upgrade the court lights to LED's and repaint the hard courts;
- Just Reinvest NSW Armidale wants to lead and coordinate a community-led and place-based justice reinvestment community collaboration in Armidale to increase community well-being;
- and Armidale Regional Council is seeking funds for four projects. ARC wants to create thriving communities by productive relationships with landlords, artisans and start-ups and encourage unique entrepreneurial opportunities to new business; replace the old Sauer Memorial Hall toilet block with a modern, wheelchair friendly amenities block and refurbish the septic; buy equipment for Armidale library's empty 'Maker Lab' so everyone can learn to use technology and get creative and; buy outdoor exercise equipment to install next to Monckton Pool to encourage physical exercise in the great outdoors.
Grants of between $20,000 and $200,000 are available in each electorate.
Voting concludes on August 15, with successful projects to be announced from September 2019.
Have your say. Click this link to send a letter to the editor.
Vanessa Arundale
Everyone has a story to tell and I like to help them do it.
Everyone has a story to tell and I like to help them do it.
