Walcha Council general manager Jack O’Hara said they would definitely take up MP Richard Torbay’s invitation to local councils and community groups to take advantage of the initiative by making applications through the NSW Community Building Partnership fund for local projects.

Projects suggested as eligible for the funding include upgrades of community halls, playgroup centres and senior citizens centres, charity facilities, art spaces, playgrounds, community gardens, cycleways, walkways, boat ramps, skate parks, footbridges and community facilities.

“I would think the completion of Walcha’s cycleway would be a good candidate for the funding but we will need to discuss this at council,” said Mr O’Hara.

Eligibility criteria for the funding includes demonstrating how the project will deliver positive results for the community through job creation and community, social, recreational or environmental outcomes.

Local councils must provide matching funding for any grant through the program and be ready to begin by late 2009 and be completed by December 2010.

Members of Parliament will have a significant role in recommending proposals for the Premier’s consideration.

“This is a very welcome move by the government to stimulate local economies with each receiving a basic $300,000,” Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay said.

“It’s good to see we are being allocated an extra $100,000 because of our unemployment figures,” Mr Torbay said.

“I would like to see applications for projects from all our Tablelands centres and look forward to receiving them.”

A $200 million Local Infrastructure Fund to provide local government interest free loans was also announced as part of an economic stimulus package to help councils catch up on a backlog of projects.

“This is a welcome initiative aimed at major projects with a $1 million estimated cost as a minimum,” Mr Torbay said.