The second round of the Port Kembla Community Infrastructure Fund, an annual project which will last for the 99 years of the port lease, is worth $1 million.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward said this round has proved very popular.

“We’ve received around $1.5 million in applications for $1 million in funding,” Mr Ward said.

“So it’s already oversubscribed but we’ll have to assess each of those applications against the criteria to make sure that they comply with the requirements of the fund.

“It’s good to see that it’s oversubscribed because it means that people are thinking about how to improve Port Kembla.

Mr Ward said he could see Port Kembla as the “Newtown of the Illawarra”.

“This sort of fund, a perpetual investment throughout the life of the port lease gives the Port Kembla community the chance to realise its potential,” he said.

The first round of funding saw 14 projects share in $2.2 million in funding.

Wollongong City Council received the lion’s share –  $1.15 million for eight projects.

The works funded include upgrades at Hill 60, Ngaraba-aan Cultural Trail linking Heritage Park, Hill 60 and the Coomaditchie Lagoon and the Port Kembla Surf Club.

Applications for the Port Kembla Community Infrastructure Fund close at midnight on Wednesday.

To apply visit www.industry.nsw.gov.au/pkcif