Recipients of Round Two of the Commonwealth’s National Stronger Regions Fund have been announced, with majority of funding allocated to larger states.
The National Stronger Regions Fund is open to local government and not-for-profit organisations and provides cash for new infrastructure projects or the upgrade of existing facilities.
Commencing in 2015-16, the Fund will provide $1 billion over five years.
Under Round Two, 111 programs were funded nationally, amounting to more than $293 million.
Despite several submissions from the Northern Territory, none of these projects received funding.
Local Government Association of Northern Territory (LGANT) President Damien Ryan expressed his disappointment at the allocation.
“The fund unashamedly promotes investment in the regions, improved economic activity and jobs, which beggars the question – why did the Northern Territory miss out?
“Out of more than 160 grants distributed in the first two rounds so far only one – the Parap swimming pool redevelopment – is in the Territory.
“This is inconsistent with the Commonwealth’s broader commitment to develop Australia’s north and at odds with its focus on regional development. It also ignores the obvious need for new infrastructure across the Territory.”
Tasmania also received a tiny proportion of the Fund, with only three successful grant allocations.
Applications for Round Three of the National Stronger Regions Fund open next year.
