At the end of the Financial Year, when the focus is on financial returns, community groups appear to be returning real value-for-money, according to Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea.
“One example is The Shed project, currently under construction at the St Ives Showground,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Today, the concrete slab foundation was laid, covering 273 square metres, which will increase to 300 square metres following the addition of paths and a verandah.
“The total construction cost of The Shed building is expected to be $130,000, with half coming from the NSW Community Building Partnership Program.
This is great value for money, especially when compared to returns on funding for projects under the Building the Education Revolution (BER), funded Federally and administered by the State Labor Government,” Mr O’Dea said.
President of the Ku-ring-gai Community Workshop, ‘The Shed’ Organisation, Kevin Callinan said, “The only way this project could be achieved is by including members of the community, particularly members of The Shed, who are undertaking most of the fit-out work.
I am delighted that the project is coming to reality after seven years of planning, finding a suitable site and gaining financial support,” Mr Callinan said.
Mr O’Dea said, “Other community groups who want to take advantage of the next round of Community Building Partnerships funding should lodge their applications before Friday 23 July.
“Applications must be made online at www.communitybuildingpartnership.nsw.gov.au
“I encourage local community groups, which believe they qualify for capital funding, to apply before the due date and continue the track record of community groups, like The Shed organisation, returning real value-for-money,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
