20 August 2009
STRONG RESPONSE TO SUGARLOAF GRANTS PROGRAM
Community groups along the Sugarloaf Pipeline have made almost 90 separate funding applications through Melbourne Water’s Regional Benefits Grants Program.
Project Director Rod Clifford said Melbourne Water was delighted by the enormous response and diversity of projects, aimed at creating long-term benefits to communities impacted by the construction of the pipeline.
“The response to the grants program has gone well beyond our expectations,” said Mr Clifford.
“Lots of projects are seeking substantial funding. About three-quarters of applicants have sought funding of more than $100,000 and some have asked for as much as $500,000.
“We’ve had more than $20 million worth of applications in total for a $5 million program, which is a 4:1 ratio.
“While it’s impossible for us to fund everything, the strong competition for grants ultimately benefits everyone because it means the quality of what does get funded is that much higher.”
Mr Clifford said the Regional Benefits Grants Program aimed to benefit areas including water resources and conservation, environment, primary industries, education and well-being, recreation, tourism, cultural heritage or community facilities/structures.
He said the Regional Benefits Grants Advisory Committee had spent about three weeks carefully assessing each application and short listing those that best met the funding criteria.
The Advisory Committee is made up of individuals from the local community as well as representatives of key organisations - Regional Development Victoria, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, the shires of Murrindindi and Yarra Ranges and Melbourne Water itself.
“To ensure a fair distribution of benefits to those communities impacted along the pipeline route, the geographical distribution of projects has also been taken into consideration,” Mr Clifford said.
He said the successful projects would be announced in September.
Media Contact: Denise Hurley - (03) 9727 8405; 0437 359 400