16 April 2008
MELBOURNE WATER ANNOUNCES $5 MILLION REGIONAL BENEFITS GRANTS PROGRAM
Sugarloaf Pipeline Project Director, Rod Clifford, today announced a $5 million grants program as part of a broader Regional Benefits Package for the Sugarloaf Pipeline Project.
The Regional Benefits package will deliver financial and in-kind contributions to communities affected by the Sugarloaf Pipeline Project. The package will ensure that construction-related mitigation and offsets are delivered in such a way as to provide long-term social benefits to communities along the proposed preferred corridor.
The Regional Benefits Package is separate from the compensation process for individual landowners affected by pipeline construction on their property.
"The $5 million grants program is the centrepiece of the Regional Benefits Package that will provide local government, community groups and other regional organisations with the opportunity to apply for grants of between $2,000 and $500,000", said Mr Clifford.
"The grants program will provide support for projects, events and other initiatives with genuine regional benefits, including infrastructure, land and environmental management, community facilities, and beneficial community development designed to enhance opportunities within the region and generate economic and community growth."
"There will be a particular focus on projects that create long-term social benefits and have flow-on and multiplier effects to regional growth."
A Regional Benefits Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from local Councils and communities will be established to provide local knowledge and input into the program.
"Individual applications for funding will be assessed by an evaluation panel comprising representatives from Melbourne Water, the Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance and the Regional Benefits Advisory Committee The Evaluation Panel will take into account each project’s merits against a set of transparent selection criteria when making its recommendations."
The Regional Benefits Package also includes a commitment to:
- Provide local employment opportunities
- Procuring goods and services locally
- Assisting local landcare and environmental groups in their conservation efforts
- Enhancing understanding and documentation of the environmental and cultural heritage values of the project area
- Delivering construction related requirements in a way that improves local amenity for the long-term where possible.
Mr Clifford said while local businesses will be required to meet the same criteria as any other potential contractor; it is our intention to source goods and services from local providers wherever possible.
Local businesses interested in supplying goods and services to the Sugarloaf Pipeline Project can register their interest by calling 1800 631 713.
Details of the grants program will be finalised in consultation with local councils in coming weeks, and an initial request for project proposals should occur by June 1st. Details will be advertised broadly.