Central Coast Council will receive $20 million from the NSW Government to help fund vital infrastructure, community projects and merger costs.

Ten million dollars has been allocated under the Stronger Communities Fund (SCF). $1 million of this fund will be used to provide grants of up to $50, 000 to kick-start community projects that build more vibrant, sustainable and inclusive local communities.   The other $9 million dollars in the SCF will be used to fund larger scale priority infrastructure to deliver long term economic and social benefits.

The remaining $10 million has been provided under the New Council Implementation Fund (NCIF) to help fund the costs associated with merging two councils.

Council’s Administrator Ian Reynolds said the State Government had delivered on its promise to provide extra funding to councils who merge and the benefits to the community would be immense.

“Our community believes in this new council. They want it to succeed,” Mr Reynolds said.

“This funding will help ensure we are able to deliver the services and infrastructure our growing community needs now and into the future.

“I am particularly pleased that $1 million has been allocated for local projects that will directly benefit our community – that is a pretty substantial grant program.

“It will lead to a hive of activity amongst our passionate local community groups who will be able to apply for grants to upgrade local sporting facilities or buy new equipment or give their facility a facelift.

“This has the potential to transform our community and ensure we stay active and connected.”

Council must establish a Stronger Communities Fund Assessment Panel to assess applications and planning is well underway.  Community groups will be able to apply for up to $50,000 once the Panel is established.  Further information will be released in July.