A community disaster recovery and preparedness group on the Northern Rivers is listed among 39 NSW projects to be approved for the latest round of the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program.
A combined $6.4 million for approved projects was announced last week for the second round of this financial year’s ClubGrants Category 3.
The fund re-invests profits from registered clubs’ gaming machines, also known as ‘pokies’, to support local organisations, community groups and charities.
Politicians reluctant to ban or restrict pokies often cite the scheme as an example of the community’s dependence on pokies for financial support.
The government says the latest funding round represents a wide range of much-needed projects in four categories – Arts and Culture; Community Infrastructure; Disaster Readiness; and Sport and Recreation.
Byron Bay Pool and Lismore Bowlo funded for upgrades
The Wardell Community Organised Resilience Effort, known as Wardell CORE, is to receive more than $72,000 for a mobile emergency relief trailer.
The trailer is for providing essential food, welfare and communication services during disasters.
Those funds pale in comparison to what’s been approved for the Lismore City Bowling and Recreation Club.
The club is approved for more than $270,000 to install a synthetic green to replace the grassed lawn destroyed in the 2022 Lismore floods.
Meanwhile, the Byron Shire Council is to receive $300,000 to spend on facilities for the Byron Bay Pool.
Back in Lismore, the Lismore City Council is to receive more than $115,000 to upgrade drainage at the Crozier Field sports oval.
Further inland, the Kyogle Netball Association is to receive more than $53,000 towards new lighting.
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