Stronger Regions Fund to benefit Lyons

The Federal Liberal Candidate for Lyons, Eric Hutchinson, today released a list of projects he had submitted for funding under the Coalition’s National Stronger Regions Fund.

“This Fund will help communities in Lyons that are struggling with high unemployment,” Mr Hutchinson said.

“It will provide funds for local capital works projects across the length and breadth of regional Tasmania.

“As well as improving local facilities and building much-needed infrastructure, the Fund will create local jobs.”

From 2015, councils and community groups will be able to apply for grants between $20,000 and $10 million, to meet half the cost of community building projects.

“Disadvantaged regions with a higher- than- average unemployment rate will receive priority for funds,” Mr Hutchinson said.

“Lyons contains some communities most impacted by the timber industry shutdown. It has some of the highest unemployment rates and lower-than- average wages.

“This Fund is designed to help regional communities to provide facilities and infrastructure that are priorities for that particular community.

“The Coalition will work with local communities by backing successful projects and contributing up to 50 per cent of the funds needed to construct them.

“The remaining funds for the projects will come from local government, state governments, the community and the private sector.

“In the first instance, projects will include community halls, public amenities, town beautification, playgrounds and recreational facilities. These are the projects that have already been identified to me as I move around Lyons.”

A sample of the projects that have been submitted which will be eligible to apply for funding under the National Stronger Regions Fun follow. The program will be subject to the current Commonwealth Grant guidelines.

• Beautification of entrance to Triabunna
• Nubeena Foreshore Development
• Upgrade of St Helens Foreshore
• Fire breaks around key infrastructure
• Westbury recreation ground clubroom development
• Visitors Centre at Eaglehawk Neck development
• Community Hall upgrades – many towns
• Derwent Bridge Amenities block
• Australian Aviation sculpture & heritage park project
• Lake Barrington amenities
• Fresh water marina developments
• Freycinet volunteer marine rescue facility
• Burns Bay Car park development
• Bridge replacements
• Men’s shed at Bicheno
• Clearing St Helens Barway
Federal Liberal Candidate for Lyons, Eric Hutchinson