Do you have a project that would improve sports, recreation, arts and cultural facilities, or help improve community safety in times of emergency?
Community organisations in the electorate of Lismore can now apply for the next round of funding for local projects under the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program, Member for Lismore, Thomas George said today.
‘I encourage local organisations to consider applying for a project that will help make a real difference to our community,’ Mr George said.
‘The grants are funded through the Clubgrants Category three program, which enables registered clubs to reinvest profits from gaming machine revenue to benefit local communities.
‘These projects bring people together to enjoy new or improved sports, recreation, arts and cultural facilities, or help improve community safety in times of emergency.’
Grants can be used towards the costs of construction, alteration, renovation, completion and fit out of infrastructure in the following areas:
- Arts & Culture: $50,000 to $200,000 available per project
- Emergency Preparedness: $10,000 to $200,000 available per project
- Sport & Recreation: $100,000 to $300,000 available per project
Pokies pull in large sums
Echonetdaily highlighted the significant sums of money that are spent on poker machines in the northern rivers in March identifying that in Lismore, the clubs and the pubs combined had a net annual profit of $17,252,252.
‘In an effort to understand the extent of poker machine use in the Northern Rivers, Echonetdaily has examined the annual report of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority, which is published as an inclusion in the annual report of the NSW Department of Justice.
‘According to those figures… the total pokies take by pubs and clubs in Ballina Shire is $25,248, 313. Clubs account for 424 poker machines and pubs have 165 machines.
‘Byron Shire, according to the report, had 271 machines in clubs, and 158 in hotels. They have a combined net profit of $12,728 126.
‘Richmond Valley Council area has 266 machines in clubs, and 94 in hotels, and they rake in $13,020, 825.
‘But Tweed Shire Council is the standout for poker machine profits, with 1,847 machines in clubs, and 209 machines in pubs. They have a combined net profit of $97,146,107.’
Minister returns $50 million
Minister for Racing Paul Toole said $50 million in infrastructure grants is being provided to communities across NSW in the current term of government.
‘Recent improvements to the program have created more chances to apply for funding and encouraged more diverse projects,’ Mr Toole said.
Applications for the next round of Infrastructure Grants are open from 1 to 21 May so now is the time to start working on you application.
For more information including details on how to apply for grants, visit http://www.responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au
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