The 2014-15 Resources for Regions (RfR) program receives strong interest from the community, with 81 expressions of interest.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services Andrew Stoner said he is pleased with the response, particularly from newly included Local Government Areas (LGAs). The Broken Hill, Cessnock and Maitland LGAs were granted eligibility for the first time this year.
RfR funding is targeted toward supporting projects that will improve economic growth and productivity across the State.
The Government will now assess expressions of interest (EOIs) for shortlisting, which will be announced in September 2014. The program will make $87 million available in 2014-15.
Minister Stoner said the RfR program responds to the need to provide financial support for communities supporting mining industry operations.
“Mining is an important contributor to the NSW economy, but it puts extra pressure on everything from schools to hospitals, roads to recreational facilities and housing to childcare services,” Mr Stoner said.
“The Resources for Regions program recognises the need for the NSW Government to provide tangible support to these communities to help relieve that pressure and ensure long term economic viability.”