Port Kembla Ready To Receive Further Investment And New Infrastructure

Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward MP has today announced that community groups and organisations have enthusiastically responded to round three of the NSW Government’s Port Kembla Community Investment Fund, which will provide $4 million in funding to projects that will improve the community amenity of Port Kembla for residents, workers and visitors.

Mr Ward said that 24 eligible applications had been received and these would be reviewed by the fund evaluation panel next Thursday 6th December 2018, with successful projects to be announced within the next month.

“I’m so proud of this program and the way that it is improving Port Kembla, helping to make it even more vibrant and exciting,” Mr Ward said.

“The quality and range of the applications received is outstanding. It’s inspiring to see how these ideas will generate economic activity, develop public infrastructure, enhance community spaces and improve air, land and waterway quality.

“The NSW Government has already provided $3 million for 25 projects through the first two rounds of this program, many already delivering real improvements for the community.

“I am confident the $4 million in funding for successful round three projects will continue the positive momentum generated by the previous two rounds and look forward to seeing each of them come to fruition.”

The NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro MP said that the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund provides infrastructure that not only delivers improvements for residents, but also the flow on benefits of increased tourism.

“By encouraging tourism, we’re helping to grow the local economy because more people visiting Port Kembla means more people dining in local restaurants and more money spent in local shops,” Mr Barilaro said.

“We are providing the funding communities need to grow and prosper and our investment has helped hundreds of communities with projects just like these – and there’s still more to come.

“Our already strong economy means we can continue to build on the foundations that make regional NSW a great place to live, work, play or invest.

For more information about the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund, please visit the website at: nsw.gov.au/pkcif.