Pick My Project

Victorian Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford has written to The Weekly Advertiser informing readers of a new project that encourages communities to nominate and decide on their own funding for projects.

Ms Pulford, Labor Member for Western Victoria, said Pick My Project would have the backing of $30-million from the government.

She said in her letter that all residents aged over 16, with the backing of a regional organisation, school, council or community group, could submit a proposal that helped build a stronger community.

“This is about putting funding decisions back in the hands of communities by helping them come together to improve their neighbourhood,” she wrote.

“Ideas could include anything from sporting and recreation infrastructure, community arts projects, improvements to community facilities and the local environment.

“Projects will need to be feasible and have land-owner consent, but there will be no restrictive guidelines, meaning many local priorities that fall between the cracks of other grant programs will be eligible for funding.

“Communities will then get to vote for the projects they think are most important, giving residents in the Wimmera the first and final say on the best way to improve their area.”

Ms Pulford said projects between $20,000 and $200,000 would be eligible under the program and people could register their interest online at pickmyproject.vic.gov.au.