NSW Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Barry O’Farrell today announced the 2011 Community Building Partnership program open to applications.

Mr O’Farrell said he was delighted to fulfil another election commitment delivering vital infrastructure to communities throughout the State.

“This is about helping communities move essential projects forward and improve the provision of local services,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“My Government is allocating $35 million to this initiative which means $300,000 is available for each electorate.

“An additional $100,000 is available for the 48 electorates with higher levels of unemployment.

“With 93 districts across NSW this is a program that aims to support a diversity of community needs.

The Minister for Local Government Don Page said the program is a vital means of improving community facilities.

“Local jobs and community participation will also flow from projects considered eligible for funding,” Mr Page said.

“I encourage community organisations and local councils to consider their eligibility for the program.

“Local councils will need to make a commitment of matching the funding from the Government,” Mr Page said.

The 2011 CBP is open for applications for 7 weeks and will close on Monday 31 October. Applications can be made at www.communitybuildingpartnership.nsw.gov.au

Successful projects will be announced by the Premier in March.

Projects must be ready to commence by mid 2012 and be completed by the end of June 2013.