A unique partnership between Singleton Council and mining companies Glencore and the Bloomfield Group is providing $500,000 for community programs or projects that will deliver an economic, social or environmental outcome for the Singleton Local Government Area (LGA).
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Applications for the first round of the Community and Economic Development Fund (CEDF) open on Wednesday 1 September and close on 31 October 2021, with community organisations, not for profit businesses or anyone within the Singleton LGA with a proposal to benefit the Singleton community invited to make a submission.
Proposals must have a minimum value of $10,000 for a share of up to $500,000 under the first round. The full criteria and application form are available on Council's website.
The Community and Economic Development Fund was established using proceeds from Voluntary Planning Agreements (VPAs) to assist in proactively managing the impacts of mining by using the funds to increase economic growth and productivity and promote health and wellbeing for the communities of the Singleton LGA.
The Fund is administered by the CEDF Joint Management Board comprising Council, Glencore and The Bloomfield Group representatives.
Funding proposals may include:
- socio-economic programs and services
- the construction and/or maintenance of infrastructure
- environmental conservation works
- research, training or education
- community welfare
- community events
Chairperson of the CEDF Joint Management Board, Cr Godfrey Adamthwaite said it was an innovative use of funds to ensure resources were available for all members of the community to act on opportunities for improvements for everyone in the Singleton LGA.
"This is a great example of Council working together with Glencore and The Bloomfield Group to make sure we provide for our community not just in the short-term, but for generations to come," he said.
"I urge all community organisations, sporting groups and not for profit businesses with an idea for how we can build on the health and wellbeing of our community, our local economy or our local environment to consider how the proceeds of this Fund can help them deliver tangible outcomes for our people.
"I'm hoping for plenty of submissions to come in before the closing date on 31 October 2021, and I can't wait to see what will be delivered when the successful applicants are announced in March next year.
"I congratulate and thank Glencore and The Bloomfield Group for partnering with Council on this very important initiative."
Damien Butler, Corporate Communications and Community Relations Manager for The Bloomfield Group said it was exciting to be part of an initiative that actively encouraged the community to deliver projects and programs to make life better for everyone in the Singleton LGA.
"The Singleton Community and Economic Development Fund uses the success and resources of today, with input from the community, to determine what Singleton needs to prosper into the future," he said.
"The Bloomfield Group is proud to be a partner in this unique approach to support the community to support each other."
David Foster, Operations Manager at Glencore's Bulga Coal said there was a vast scope of programs and projects that could meet the criteria, opening up a range of exciting possibilities.
"This is the kind of initiative that Glencore is proud and happy to be involved in because we're going to see some fantastic outcomes delivered by people in our community that otherwise could never have happened," he said.
"I look forward to announcing the successful applicants under our first round in March 2022, and to seeing the results of these first projects and programs for everyone in the Singleton LGA."
