Local government and incorporated not-for-profit organisations in Bonner are invited to apply for funding for small capital projects through Round 2 of the Stronger Communities Programme (SCP), Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said today.

Applications for SCP grants of $5,000 to $20,000 will be open in Bonner until Monday, 11 April 2016. Organisations must match the SCP grant in cash or in-kind on at least a dollar for dollar basis.

“The Stronger Communities Programme is part of the Turnbull Government’s commitment to making local communities a priority,” Mr Vasta said.

“Organisations in our community now have an opportunity to apply for small capital works grants to upgrade areas across Bonner, such as men’s sheds, town halls, sporting infrastructure like turf, change rooms, canteens, and so on.”

Some of the successful applicants from Round 1 of SCP included:

·           Wynnum Manly and Districts Men’s Shed – President David Westlake and Bob Coakes said they relied on small grants like those from SCP to keep the group running, and that the SCP funding would go toward concreting for the floor of their new shed.

·           Bulimba Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee (B4C) – Catchment Manager Wayne Cameron said their funded revegetation project would provide an important corridor link between Belmont Hills, Bulimba Creek and Minnippi Parklands, and would provide social as well as environmental benefits to the community.

·           Mt Gravatt Lapidary Club – President Jim Horton and Sue Horton said the club could now upgrade their equipment that was 20 to 40 years old to today’s standards. This will help the club be more energy and cost-efficient, saving them money in the long run and helping them keep and bring in more members.

·           Wynnum and District Horse and Pony Club – President Karen Dixon said the grant was for lighting and electrical upgrades that will boost safety for over 1,000 people who use the club’s facilities each year.

“I encourage potential applicants to contact my office on 07 3893 3488 to discuss projects which meet the eligibility criteria and deliver the best possible outcomes for our community.”

Mr Vasta said he had established a community consultation committee that will decide which upgrades are needed and which projects in Bonner are to be funded in the latest round.

“Once projects are recommended by the committee, I will write to the Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon Darren Chester MP, seeking endorsement and the release of funds for the locally-recommended projects,” Mr Vasta said.

“I will be holding community information sessions—keep an eye on my website for the dates—to answer any questions people may have on the Stronger Communities Programme, and to hear ideas on the best use for this funding.”

“I look forward to delivering much needed upgrades once again to already existing local community projects.”

Mr Vasta strongly encouraged applicants to read the SCP guidelines and frequently asked questions available online at www.infrastructure.gov.au/SCP.

Local teamwork and promoting local solutions are the key to tackling the ice scourge in the community, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said at an ice round table he hosted in Wynnum on Friday.

Mr Vasta was joined by Minister for Rural Health and Minister responsible for alcohol and drug policy, Senator the Hon Fiona Nash. Minister Nash visited Bonner to receive a briefing on the findings of the Bonner Ice Forum held last December.

“I thank police, health and church representatives who came along to the round table to discuss our local situation with the Minister,” Mr Vasta said.

“I appreciate their input and personal feedback to the Minister regarding ice in our community, and their hard work on the frontline of the terrible epidemic of ice.”

Mr Vasta said the Government’s new ice action plan would aid local efforts to combat the spread of ice.

The package includes $241.5 million to be invested through the 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs), which will use their local knowledge to boost the alcohol and other drug treatment sector and reduce demand for ice.

Minister Nash said helping those who are hooked on ice to get off it takes the biggest buyers out of the market and reduces demand.

“PHNs will choose what forms of treatment is best bang for buck in the local region – be that counselling, rehabilitation or other forms of treatment. Government and PHNs will also work closely with the Aboriginal Community Controlled health sector to invest in culturally appropriate services,” Minister Nash said.

“Existing services will be extended by another 12 months to 30 June 2017 to allow considered planning of service delivery by PHNs going forward.”

“The PHNs also deliver mental health treatment services which will provide a vital link between the drug and alcohol treatment sector and the mental health sector.”

Mr Vasta said he was pleased to see local people will make decisions about how best to help the region’s ice problem.

“I look forward to collaborating with this amazing team in coming months and identifying new solutions to the ice scourge,” Mr Vasta said.

For more information about the Government’s ice action strategy visit www.health.gov.au/ice.