Eden-Monaro border community groups are eligible for $25,000 or more, from a new $10million NSW funding round which aims to help regional communities bounce back from the impacts of border restrictions.

Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain said the recently announced NSW cross-border Covid recovery funding acknowledges the unique challenges border communities faced this year as a result of state border closures.

“Eden-Monaro border communities have had a horrendous couple of years with drought, bushfires, floods and the pandemic - and the ACT and Victorian border closures that dragged on for months this year were another incredibly challenging time for individuals and businesses in our region,” Kristy said.

“A lot of businesses in Eden-Monaro rely on interstate travelers to survive, when the borders were closed, they were cut off from customers and their livelihoods.

“I welcome this funding round and encourage local councils, charities and community and sporting groups to consider putting in an application.

“From $25,000 in funding can go towards a variety of projects including those aimed at improving telecommunications and digital connectivity, accessing water supply or delivering social and sporting clubhouses or halls.

“Our region has done it tough, and every little bit of assistance can make a difference.”

The $10 million in funding will come from the COVID Recovery round of the Cross-Border Commissioner’s Infrastructure Fund.

Interested applicants are invited to contact the Office of the NSW Cross-Border Commissioner with an outline of the proposed project. Expressions of Interest close on 28 January 2022.

For more information go to https://www.regional.nsw.gov.au/our-work/ocbc/cross-border-infrastructure-fund