Greens Call for a Strategic Grants Approach to Yass Valley Infrastructure

The local Greens team has called for the Yass Valley Council to take a strategic approach to grants management, arguing that a strategic grants program and a dedicated grants officer would maximise revenue opportunities for community infrastructure.

“It’s clear from Council’s budget that it relies heavily on grant funding for infrastructure investment, but Council has no strategy for a successful grants program” said Greens candidate Steve Crabb. “A simple look at Yass main street and the Memorial Hall reveals Council’s poor planning and investment in our community spaces.”

“Seven years after a Main Street Strategy for Yass was adopted in 2014, we’re yet to see any of the investments that were committed to in the Strategy, and why? Because Council doesn’t strategically target available grant funding to align with community expectation,” he added.

The Soldiers’ Memorial Hall is also in dire need of work, said Steve, and Murrumbateman residents are crying out for play facilities for their kids. “Council should target heritage, main street, regional infrastructure and other grant opportunities to invest in these important community spaces” he continued.

Having a defined strategy to maximise grant funding from both State and Commonwealth governments is key to better community facilities, say the Greens.

“Our community spaces demand more attention from Council. The Greens will push for a formally adopted Grants Strategy that is linked to Council’s annual Operational Plan and a dedicated Grants Officer who would also be available to help community groups with grant applications” Steve said. “The community deserves more than just relying on chance grant programs or election-based funding for its community facilities” he concluded.

The Greens are running a group of 5 candidates at the 4th December 2021 council elections. To learn more about the candidates and their platform, please go to: Yass Valley - Greens on Council

• Topics:

• Community
• Government Grants / Funding
• Elections