The Nationals WA pledge $50 million for Regional Grants Scheme, Shane Van Styn

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Press Release:

The Nationals WA candidate for Geraldton, Shane Van Styn, has welcomed a commitment made by Nationals’ Leader Brendon Grylls today to invest $50 million from Royalties for Regions to deliver the Regional Grants Scheme program.

Mr Van Styn said the funding would enable the continuation of the Regional Grants Scheme for a further four years, should The Nationals WA retain the balance of power at the upcoming election.

“The Regional Grants Scheme has been a great success for regional WA – allowing community groups, arts organisations and sporting clubs to access funding for local projects that enhance the community, create jobs, and attract investment.”

The Royalties for Regions funded Regional Grants Scheme has already delivered more than $50 million into local projects across the State, including the following Geraldton projects:

  • The Donor Awareness Fountain
  • Geraldton Surf Lifesaving Club Stage 3 planning
  • Spalding Park Golf Club Eco Friendly Equipment wash down facility
  • Refurbishment of Bundiyarra Boomerang Hostel

Van Styn went on to say The Nationals WA would also seek to establish a Community Chest Fund within the Regional Grants Scheme – valued at $10 million – to provide funding for smaller, local projects.

“The Community Chest Fund will allow some valuable, smaller projects to get off the ground,” Van Styn said.

“Projects like school holiday workshops, better playground facilities or a new paint job for the local club rooms are the sorts of initiatives that might apply for funding through the Community Chest Fund.”

Shane Van Styn said the Regional Grants Scheme had already been positive for Geraldton and the introduction of a Community Chest Fund would be a welcome development.

“We are working to ensure that Royalties for Regions is delivering for quality projects of all sizes, from State-wide initiatives through to local community priority projects,” Mr Van Styn said.

“The continuation of the Regional Grants Scheme and the introduction of the Community Chest Fund will provide great benefits to Geraldton.”

“The Nationals are the only Party that will guarantee the future of Royalties for Regions and ensure regional communities can access funds through programs such as the Regional Grants Scheme to make our community a better place to live, work and invest.”