Media Release

Member for Kennedy, Hon Bob Katter, has petitioned three Federal ministers for more support for small regional councils and not-for-profit organisations seeking funding from the National Stronger Regions Fund (NSRF).

Writing to the Minister for Regional Development, the Minister for Major Projects, Territories and Local Government, and the Minister for Infrastructure and Development, Mr Katter pleaded for special consideration for small regional councils and not-for-profits, who find it difficult to get the first 50 per cent of funding needed to be eligible for the NSRF.

“There are 18 regional Councils within my Kennedy Electorate which covers North West and Far North Queensland and the majority of these Councils have a very small ratepayer base and little income.

“There are many more small community not-for-profits such as Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs and sporting groups which are vitally important for physical and mental health, in small regional communities.

“Both groups find it very difficult to get the first 50 per cent of funding to be eligible for the NSRF, and the cost of providing funding for capital projects is far more expensive in rural communities than it is in cities, so it’s a double whammy for these groups and councils,” Mr Katter said.

Mr Katter said he petitioned the ministers to give special consideration to the small regional councils and not for profits, and that they be given the same opportunity as the “remote and very remote” applicants in the NSRF-Round 3.

“Small regional councils and not-for-profits in these areas should be re-classified under the NSRF and be granted eligibility for a contribution ratio of at least one dollar for every three dollars of NSRF grant funding sought.

“This would be much fairer, and would promote economic development much needed in the regional areas of North West and Far North Queensland, and I trust the Ministers will see this and correct the inequality in the next Round of the NSRF,” Mr Katter said.

ENDS