Boundary change opens up millions in potential funding for Mayo
Posted November 09, 2017
Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie has welcomed a Government policy change that means most of the Adelaide Hills is now eligible to apply for millions of dollars for infrastructure projects under the Building Better Regions Fund.
Map: The new boundaries for the Building Better Regions Fund. The areas shaded light and dark purple are eligible to apply for the program providing they meet all criteria.
The change, announced by the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development this week, means all of the Mount Barker Council district, most of the Adelaide Hills Council and a large portion of the Onkaparinga Council, are now included in the Fund’s boundaries for Round 2.
These areas were excluded under Round 1 because they were categorised as “significant urban areas” due to their proximity to Adelaide.
“This is fantastic news for our region and something I have tirelessly advocated for on behalf of our community and our councils who desperately need access to funds to meet the demands of a growing region,” Rebekha said.
“It was completely ridiculous that projects on the Gold Coast and in Geelong and Wollongong could successfully apply for Building Better Regions funding, even though they are nationally defined Major Cities.
“I spoke in Parliament about this issue, I wrote numerous letters to the then Regional Development Minister Senator Fiona Nash and I met with her twice to discuss the concerns expressed to me by Regional Development Australia Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island and our local councils had about the unfairness of the boundaries.
“I am delighted that the Government has seen the merit in our arguments and changed the boundaries.
“The new criteria means community organisations can now apply for grants of between $5000 and $10 million to build new infrastructure or upgrade existing infrastructures.
“This could mean a significant investment in projects that create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities.”
Applications for Round 2 of the Building Better Regions Fund opened November 7.
