Colourful murals, a museum upgrade, hydrogen refuelling station, grandstand seating, better beach access, lifesaver clubhouse upgrade and sports oval lighting are among 15 projects receiving funding from the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund.
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Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock said work will soon get underway on infrastructure and programs that will revitalise the community and boost the local economy using $2.1 million from the long term lease of the port.
The $99 million Port Kembla Community Investment Fund was established in 2016 to invest at least $1 million each year back into the community. Since then $8 million has been provided to 57 projects.
Ms Hancock said the annual funding from the NSW Government is distributed to projects that help activate, enhance, build community amenity and revitalise the suburb.
During COVID-19 the fund was expanded to a have a renewed focus on supporting projects designed to increase economic activity, deliver enhanced activation and connectivity of public infrastructure and improving environmental air, land and waterway quality.
Others changes included funding projects in immediately adjacent suburbs that meet the fund objective and demonstrate clear and significant benefits to the Port Kembla community.
It was also decided to extend project delivery time-frames up to three years in line with other similar programs and extend the time-frame between applications opening and closing to eight weeks.
Ms Hancock said the NSW Government also wanted to ensure a wider range of businesses, organisations and groups could apply after $2.1 million was announced for found four.
Ms Hancock said the 15 successful projects in the latest round included a new marine emergency services hub and upgrading the Port Kembla swimming pool change rooms.
She said the projects would help strengthen and grow the local community and lead to more visitation.
Previous funding rounds included money for stage one of the Ngarana-aan cultural trail, infrastructure and lighting upgrades at King George V Park and a tourism development plan for Port Kembla.
Business Illawarra executive director Adam Zarth described the latest $2.1 million in funding from the NSW Government as a much needed shot in the arm for business and tourism.
"Local businesses are pleased to see this investment continue in the area which will not only support infrastructure, but will also promote re-gentrification through streetscaping and amenities upgrades," Mr Zarth said.
Port Kembla Community Investment Fund round four projects are:
- Breakwater Battery Military Museum upgrade stage 2 project - $133,812
- Cleaver and Co food manufacturing upgrade project - $16,301
- Coregas hydrogen refuelling station project - $500,000
- Darcy Wentworth Park Oval grandstand seating project - $16,245
- Fishermans Beach access upgrade project - $117,000
- Inside Industry Visitors Centre upgrade stage two - $94,606
- Kully Bay Oval lighting upgrade project - $22,500
- Port Kembla Aboriginal Dot Art Mural Project - $25,000
- Port Kembla Gateway rail infrastructure upgrade project - $100,000
- Port Kembla Marine Services Hub project - $260,324
- Port Kembla Surf Lifesaving Clubhouse upgrade stage 2 project - $93,850
- Port Kembla Pool amenities upgrade project - $30,000
- Tender Funerals expansion project - $347,050
- Wetherall Park lighting upgrade project - $200,000
- Wonderwalls Port Kembla 2021 project - $155,250
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