Council has allocated more than $148,000 in funding to 36 community projects across the Coast that retain, conserve and promote local heritage and enhance community life.
However, only two projects totalling $13,000 were awarded for the Peninsula. The grants program aims help groups run programs, buy equipment, subsidise costs or to upgrade or maintain facilities.
This round of heritage grants totalled $64,437 for 10 projects and included just one Peninsula project – $8000 for Coolabah, a heritage property in Pearl Beach. Council allocated $84,038 in community support grants for 26 groups, with only one successful applications from the Peninsula – $5000 for equipment for the Peninsula Ducks Softball Club.
However, local ward councillor Chris Holstein defended the allocation. He said the heritage grants were not generated by Council but by community entities with an interest or connection to heritage, and who meet the funding criteria. “Note that 10 applications in the heritage category were received and all 10 were funded, ” he said.
“Three information sessions were held across the local government area, including Woy Woy. ” Cr Holstein said “council can only consider what is applied for”.
The Heritage Grant Program Round 2 will open in February 2020 and the Community Support Grant Program is open all year with applications assessed monthly.
SOURCE: Central Coast Council items 3.6 and 3.7, 11 Nov 2019 Media statement, 14 Nov 2019 Chris Holstein, Central Coast Council