NOW is the time for Upper Hunter residents to consider which projects will provide the most benefit to their local area.
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And, they can choose what they would like funded as part of the NSW Government's My Community Project program.
Voting in the electorate opened on Monday, July 15, giving locals the green light to cast an online vote for between three and five of 28 nominated projects.
Six of those are located within the boundary of Upper Hunter Shire Council, including:
- Improved power supply to the Rosedale Complex in Murrurundi, valued at $23,100
- Scone Rugby Union Club playing field lighting upgrade, valued at $148,532
- A 'Spray and Play Pad' for Amaroo Park, valued at $121,220
- The Murrurundi Youth Park - the construction of a skate park and learn to ride bike park, valued at $184,358
- Hammond Park, a playground that would be accessible to the whole community and add to the growing aged care site at Gundy Road, valued at $198,572
- Restoration, improved safety & beautification of the Moonan Flat Village Hall, and securing village water supplies for fire fighting, sports and public gardens, valued at $101,750
"This is an innovative and exciting program that is putting decision making back in the hands of community members to weigh in on their top picks for projects in the region," Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen said.
"It's very easy to vote.
"All you need is your Medicare card and a free MyServiceNSW account, which also provides quick access to a wide range of NSW Government services, such as the CTP Green Slip refund for eligible policyholders.
"You can also pop down to the local Service NSW centres at Muswellbrook and Singleton, as well as Service NSW Agencies that have a digital kiosk at Quirindi, Scone and Gloucester, where friendly staff can help residents cast their vote."
Mr Johnsen said My Community Project, which is made possible by the NSW Generations Fund, was a great example of real grassroots democracy in action.
"It asked people to think about things their community needs, develop those ideas with a sponsor and tell us how funding could turn that concept into reality," he explained.
"The great news is that from Monday, July 15, residents in all electorates across the state will get their chance to vote for their favourite projects in each electorate."
Those in the Upper Hunter can view eligible projects and vote online at mycommunityproject.service.nsw.gov.au or by visiting their Service NSW centre.
Voting concludes on August 15, with the successful projects to be announced from September.
A total of $24.4 million is available for eligible projects, with between $20,000 and $200,000 available for each one.
For further information about My Community Project and program guidelines, go to www.nsw.gov.au/mycommunityproject
