AUGUST 28, 2015: PLANS to roll out funding to small community groups are now under way following the first meeting of a Stronger Communities Programme committee.There is $150,000 available per year for two years to fund small capital projects which deliver social benefits.I have formed a committee, made up of representatives from Mackay, the Whitsundays, Bowen, the Burdekin and Townsville, and we have now begun the process of assessing applications.However it’s not too late for groups to apply for a minimum of $5,000 and up to a maximum of $20,000 but these grants need to be matched with cash or in-kind funding.The committee representatives are Councillor Alison Jones from Mackay, Mayor Jenny Whitney from the Whitsundays, Councillor Andrew Wilcox from Bowen, Janice Horan from Burdekin Shire Council and Terry Farrelly from Townsville City Council.This is an exciting opportunity for local communities to work with me to identify potential projects which will contribute to our community’s long term vibrancy and viability.Though these are smaller projects, any project requires manpower, so there is potential job creation in every successful grant.Potential applicants must submit an expression of interest by September 18.To find out more phone Mr Christensen’s office on 4944 0662 or go to http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/SCP CAPTION: Getting the ball rolling on funding for small community groups are, from left, Mackay Regional Councillor Alison Jones, Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen, and Burdekin Shire Council representatives Janice Horan, Eliza Lovell and Adrian Scott.