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Stronger Country Communities Fund
This fund delivers crucial local infrastructure to improve the quality of life of people living in regional NSW. Funding is provided to local projects such as parks, community halls, playgrounds and amenity blocks.
The Stronger Country Communities Fund is investing in infrastructure projects in regional NSW communities to improve the lives of residents and enhance the attractiveness of these areas as vibrant places to live and work.
The NSW Government has committed $200 million for applications to support local infrastructure projects that will improve amenity and help sustain the social bonds at the heart of strong regional communities.
Round two is now open and will close at 5pm AEST, Friday 4 May 2018
The amount for round two has doubled, with $200 million now available for community amenity and local sports projects.
Documents for round two can be downloaded below:
- Round two Program Guidelines – Stronger Country Communities Fund (PDF, 943 KB)
- Fact Sheet – Stronger Country Communities Fund (PDF, 198 KB)
- Frequently Asked Questions – Stronger Country Communities Fund (PDF, 1.13 MB)
How to apply
The Stronger Country Communities Fund is available to all 92 regional local government areas, Lord Howe Island and the Unincorporated Far West. Regional local councils are those outside Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.
Applications can only be submitted by eligible councils, Lord Howe Island and the Unincorporated Far West.
To apply, visit the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet's SmartyGrants portal.
New resources for round two
New resources are available to assist with the development of funding applications:
- Project Budget Template (XLSX, 16 KB)
- Project Plan Template (XLSX, 15 KB)
- Project Costs Checklist (PDF, 42 KB)
- Information for non-council organisations (PDF, 239 KB)
Online Information Session
On 13 and 15 March 2018, the Department of Premier and Cabinet ran two webinars about the funding available, application process and assessment criteria for project applications this year.
Watch the webinar recording to find out about applying for project funding in round two.
Funded projects coming to regional NSW
The first regional infrastructure projects to receive funding from the Stronger Country Communities Fund have been announced, totalling more than $11 million.
More successful projects will be published here as soon as the assessment process is complete.
| Project and location | Details | SCCF funding |
|---|---|---|
| Shared pedestrian and bike path in Iluka | Path connecting the township of Iluka to the beach and break wall | $177,450 |
| New rugby league club infrastructure in Yamba | New rugby league clubhouse with change rooms, accessible toilet and coach/first aid room plus a new canteen and spectator seating at the Yamba Sports Complex | $355,000 |
| Lighting upgrade at Rushforth Park in South Grafton | Lighting over both playing fields and a transformer for reliable power supply | $301,075 |
| Redevelopment of Jacaranda Park in Grafton | New playground equipment and other park infrastructure | $500,000 |
| A large-scale teen playground in Cootamundra | New play areas catering to toddlers through to teens, shelter and picnic areas will be installed in Jubilee Park | $499,900 |
| New community fitness infrastructure in Gundagai and Cootamundra | Gundagai Tigers gym, Scouts climbing wall, and RSL Club squash and tennis courts, the Cootamundra Tennis hot shots course, racecourse grandstand and AFL club rooms | $603,445 |
| New playground and fitness centre in Gundagai | New playground and outdoor gym, picnic shelter, barbeques, amenities block, shade and native planting | $300,000 |
| Playground upgrades in the villages of Nangus, Stockinbingal and Wallendbeen | Updated play equipment in Nangus, construction of a BMX track in Stockinbingal, and a new playground with multi-station fitness centre in Wallendbeen | $375,593 |
| Upgraded public amenities in Paterson | Relocating and building new accessible public amenities in John Tucker Park | $690,000 |
| Gilgandra CBD (stage 2) redevelopment | Dedicated parking, a walking track, picnic area and caravan dump point | $500,000 |
| Inclusive playground in Gunnedah | Accessible play equipment, pathways, barbeques, picnic areas, shading, community art features, solar lighting and CCTV in Wolseley Park | $850,000 |
| Upgraded public amenities in Young | Replace existing public amenities in Main Street with a new accessible amenities block in Arboretum Park | $150,000 |
| Upgraded rugby league club building in Young | New home team dressing sheds, visitor and referee sheds for the Young Rugby League Football Club at Alfred Oval | $113,500 |
| Shared pedestrian and bike path in Young | Path between the sporting fields, Burrangong Creek recreational area and the town centre | $773,359 |
| Upgraded public amenities in Boorowa | New public amenities block in Boorowa Recreation Park | $130,000 |
| New inclusive play equipment in Boorowa | Disability-access swings and soft-fall footings for wheelchair access will be installed in the Market Street Playground | $240,000 |
| Lighting upgrade at Boorowa | Lighting replaced in Boorowa Recreation Park | $100,000 |
| New Visitor Information Centre in Harden | Refurbish History Hall to modern Harden-Murrumburrah Visitor Information Centre | $100,000 |
| Shared pedestrian and bike path in Harden | Path linking Robert Park Sporting Precinct to the showground | $178,000 |
| Upgraded public amenities upgrades in Gerringong, North Kiama and Minnamurra | New public amenities blocks in Cooke Park Gerringong, Jones Beach North Kiama and North Street Reserve Minnamurra | $375,000 |
| New art exhibition space in Gerringong | New exhibition space will be constructed within the Gerringong Library, Museum and Community Precinct | $250,000 |
| New water activity park and indoor play area in Muswellbrook | New water activity park and indoor play area at the Muswellbrook Aquatic Centre | $1,000,000 |
| Shared pedestrian and bike path, and upgraded public amenities in Bowraville | New barbeque area, shared pedestrian and bike path, and accessible amenities block as part of the local Bowraville Connections Project | $130,950 |
| Upgraded sports field facilities in Macksville | Lighting, clubhouse kitchen facilities and security fencing at Allan Gillett Oval | $213,050 |
| Upgraded lighting over sports fields in Nambucca Heads | Lighting over the playing fields of Coronation Park and the skate park | $500,000 |
| Shared pedestrian and bike path and upgraded public amenities in Sussex Inlet | New shared pedestrian and bike path bridge, and public amenities block at Chris Creek | $937,691 |
| Town hall refurbishment in Temora | Lighting, sound and stage upgrades, main hall acoustic treatments and refurbishment, a new entry foyer, accessible toilets and outdoor space at Temora Memorial Town Hall | $680,000 |
| Upgraded public amenities in Ariah Park | Upgrade existing amenities in Ariah Park Recreation Ground | $100,000 |
| New playground facilities in Scone | Shade sails over play areas and new playground equipment | $106,350 |
| New grandstand seating in Scone | Additional grandstand seating at the White Park Equestrian Centre | $139,280 |
For more information about the Stronger Country Communities Fund or the application for funding process, contact the Office of Regional Development on 1300 679 673.