NSW Government Community Building Partnership 2023 round open now

Avatar
NSW Government Community Building Partnership 2023

The NSW Government is investing in infrastructure projects that improve social, environmental and recreation outcomes, providing the community with participation and inclusion opportunities. With $27.9 million on offer, and a maximum of $300,000 per electorate, the NSW Government looks to improve opportunities for all NSW residents, both in metropolitan and regional areas.

The Community Building Partnership (CBP) program differs to what has been previously offered – click here to view the changes.

What’s new in the CBP 2023 round:

  • Projects over $30,000 must have quotes to verify project spending, this is also preferred for all projects under $30,000 but not necessary. Quotes must be of relevant time and location.
  • You must provide a detailed and itemised project budget for the full requested amount
  • Variations or changes to the project will only be approved in limited circumstances. Please ensure that your project can be delivered in scope and on time.

To be eligible for this program, you must fit one of the following criteria:

  • NSW association or non-distributing co-operatives registered with NSW Fair Trading
  • Local Aboriginal Land Councils or Indigenous corporations registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations
  • NSW local councils and their section 355 committees operating under the Local Government Act 1993. Local councils and their section 355 committees are required to provide matched funding to the CBP grant amount awarded
  • not-for-profit entities incorporated under an Act of Parliament
  • trusts that are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
  • public companies limited by guarantee.

The application must be submitted through SmartGrants, and under the organisations legal name and ABN (if applicable)

Examples of eligible organisations include:

  • Community group incorporated as a NSW Association – e.g. sporting body, multicultural group, community shed
  • Community group registered as a NSW Co-operative – e.g. country club, childcare co-op, golf club
  • Parents and Citizens Association (P&C Association) incorporated with the Federation of P&C Associations of NSW under the Parents & Citizens Association Act of 1976 No 50
  • Aboriginal organisation registered by the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) – e.g. preschool, health and welfare corporation
  • Public companies limited by guarantee

Organisations cannot apply on behalf of other organisations; these applications will be denied. Individuals and groups of individuals also are ineligible, as well as any for-profit organisations.

CBP will consider funding requests between $5,000 and $150,000 for projects in NSW. Please note that all relevant documentation for each application must be included, and any further documentation is recommended to expedite the application process. The following are some examples of projects that funding can be applied for:

  • Construction of new community infrastructure, or refurbishment, repair, and maintenance of existing infrastructure, this includes resurfacing sports courts, installation of shade structures, restoring buildings, accessibility equipment and public announcement systems
  • Purchase of vehicles or modification to existing vehicles
  • Projects that can be completed prior to 31 August 2025
  • Projects must only have one project location per application
  • If applications are to be made for both infrastructure and vehicles, these must be done separately with appropriate documentation.

Some of the following are examples of projects that can not be considered for the CBP:

  • Projects outside of NSW
  • Projects commencing prior to October 27, 2023
  • Projects that look to buy land, run workshops, cover operating costs.
  • Projects that already utilise other grant programs
  • Projects over $30,001 without appropriate documentation
  • Any application submitted after the deadline (27th October 2023).
  • Any application without a detailed and itemised budget

Whilst there is a lot to consider whether this program is suitable to your organisation, the information above should give a basic outline as to whether there are any upcoming projects for your organisation which could benefit from this scheme.

Applications are open now, and close on the October 27 2023 at 5pm AEST. Click here for more info.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Community consultation opens for Ashburton’s Warner Reserve pavilion upgrade

Avatar
Image Credit: City of Boroondara

Community consultation has opened on the proposed redevelopment of the Warner Reserve pavilion in Ashburton. Early planning is underway to modernise the facility and improve amenities for local sporting clubs and community users.

The city of Boroondara has received $80,000 in Victorian Government funding to prepare concept designs. They will undertake community consultation as part of planning for the proposed upgrade.

While construction is currently scheduled for the 2032-33 financial year, the project could be brought forward if additional funding is secured.

The proposed redevelopment would see existing pavilion replaced with a modern facility better positioned to service the reserve. Plans include two new changerooms with toilets and showers, a multipurpose community space with a kitchen and canteen, a first aid room, umpire facilities, an externally accessible public toilet and a covered spectator viewing area.

The proposed new look pavilion at Warner Reserve. Image Credit: City of Boroondara

The concept also allows for the future addition of two extra changerooms, should participation levels continue to grow.

As part of the proposal, the existing playground would be relocated to improve visibility and open space within the reserve. Six trees identified for removal would also be replaced with new plantings elsewhere in Warner Reserve.

Residents, sporting clubs and reserve users are encouraged to provide feedback on the proposal before consultation closes on 15 September. Feedback will help refine the concept design before the project progresses to future planning and funding stages.

If delivered, the redevelopment is expected to improve facilities for local sporting clubs and community groups while providing more inclusive amenities to support growing participation across community sport.

Football Queensland’s Logan hub plan rejected by council

Avatar
Image Credits: Football Queensland

Football Queensland’s plans for a major new football hub at Meakin Park have been rejected by Logan City Council. The proposed $76.1 million redevelopment aimed to create a state home for football in Queensland.

Council unanimously rejected Football Queensland’s request for longer-term leases and additional land at the Slacks Creek site. The decision leaves the organisation’s current leases in place. The proposed development would have delivered new playing fields, elite training facilities and a dedicated home for Football Queensland.

Three-stage development

The first stage of Queensland Football’s development carried an $8.5 million price tag. It would upgrade fields, lighting, drainage and irrigation across Meakin and Mappas parks. The goal was to create a six-field, international-standard training venue.

The second stage represented the largest investment. Football Queensland planned to spend $55.3 million on a new headquarters at the adjoining Queens Park site. The facility would include a Women and Girls Academy, sports science facilities, sports medicine and strength and conditioning services.

A third $12.3 million stage would add an indoor futsal academy and two synthetic fields. Football Queensland said the project could create a major football precinct for the region. It also saw the facility playing a role in Queensland’s preparations for Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

Lease decision creates roadblock

Queensland’s governing body sought a 25-year lease with an option for another 25 years. Chief executive Robert Cavallucci said longer tenure was essential to secure government funding and move the project forward. The organisation has around three years remaining on its existing leases.

Council took a different view. Concerns included community access, funding certainty, future costs and the level of use at the existing facilities. Councillors also questioned whether a long-term arrangement would deliver enough benefit to Logan residents and grassroots clubs. Logan Council has now ordered a review of Football Queensland’s performance under its current lease.

Grassroots football at the centre

The decision highlights a wider issue for football infrastructure. Major facilities can provide elite pathways, sports science and high-performance opportunities, but unless councils can ensure local players and clubs can access the fields, they will be rejected.

Meakin Park already serves several sporting organisations, including football users and community sporting groups. Football Queensland said it had invested almost $2 million at Meakin Park and Mappas fields. It also argued the precinct operates at around 130 per cent capacity. For Queensland football, the challenge now is finding a model that can deliver high-performance facilities while expanding access for the community.

The proposal may have been rejected, but the need for better football infrastructure remains. With participation growing and Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic Games approaching, the debate over where and how Queensland builds its next generation of football facilities is unlikely to disappear.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend