A council funding scheme for community projects has grown larger in value than the controversial ward-based system it replaced.
Council’s proposed budget has allocated $8.3 million to the “unified” Community Investment and Support Fund.
The 2019/2020 allocation would make the fund almost 20 per cent larger than the former $7.2 million Community Priorities Scheme, which annually gave councillors $600,000 each to hand out for projects in their 12 wards.
The ward funding scheme operated between 2005 and 2014 until concerns about probity sparked a Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate investigation. The probe found “critical flaws” in the process while clearing councillors of any wrongdoing.
The ward funding scheme was replaced with the Community Investment and Support Fund, which tightened City Hall oversight of application approvals.
The “unified” fund, covering projects ranging from sports facilities to heritage works, would grow 30 per cent larger next financial year if adopted in council’s finalised budget, City Hall said this week.
Finance portfolio councillor Pat Murnane called the fund “extremely important” to councillors.
The process gave councillors a chance to “support the aspirations of community groups in a very practical manner”, he said.
“We recognise that many of these groups are run by volunteers and our support is recognition of the major contribution that they are making to our community.
“We encourage all clubs and groups thinking of applying for a grant to make the most of the upcoming information sessions.”
Mayor Bruce Harwood, who distributed cash from the ward funding scheme during previous stints on council, said the proposed funding boost for its replacement could benefit numerous groups across greater Geelong.
“There are hundreds of great clubs and groups in our region who provide activities and social opportunities for their local community,” he said.
“The council is keen to see them thrive, which is why we’ve invested heavily in our expanded grants program.
“This will support the valuable grassroots projects that will benefit countless clubs and their members.”
Council will begin hosting public information sessions on the fund and its applications process from Wednesday.
City Hall said locations, times and registrations to attend the sessions were available at geelongaustralia.com/au/grants.
