OAKESHOTT INDEPENDENT
OAKESHOTT PLEASED WITH MORE GRANTS FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Independent MP for Port Macquarie is pleased to announce four new small grants for the Port Macquarie electorate, including funding for the Douglas Vale vineyard, the Girl Guides, the Port Macquarie Scouts, and the Port Macquarie-Hastings Suicide Prevention network.
"This is all good money for the area and is important in demonstrating the importance of having access to the Government of the day to achieve outcomes for our area, Mr Oakeshott said.
"The worst thing that could happen to our area's ability to keep getting outcomes would be to end up being represented by a local MP in Opposition. We need to avoid this scenario at all costs, said Mr Oakeshott.
"This funding has been made available by the last round of the Premier's Rural and Regional Miscellaneous Grants Fund. To access this fund, projects need to have a demonstrated need, but at the same time, the reality is that access to Government and the Premier of the day needs to be maintained, Mr Oakeshott said.
"The funding includes $5,000 to the Port Macquarie Scouts to assist with their much-needed roof repairs at their Hollingsworth Street office. I know Grant Hitchen has done a tremendous job in convincing both myself and the Premier of the need for such works, and he and the Scouts should be congratulated on their detailed application, Mr Oakeshott said.
"Likewise, $1,000 goes to the continued upgrade of kitchen facilities at Douglas Vale vineyard, and this is on the back of the return of the Douglas Vale site to the community in the middle of last year, Mr Oakeshott said.
"The Guides also receive $1,000 to provide aluminium seating and improved paths to the fire circle at their Hollingworth Street headquarters, and I know this is also used by the Scouts as well, so they are getting more than just their $5,000, said Mr Oakeshott.
"And finally, the Port Macquarie-Hastings Suicide Prevention Network receives $10,000 for the construction and development of their Men's Shed concept to assist with male depression and social networking. I am looking forward to this project commencing and delivering genuine outcomes for men in the community, Mr Oakeshott said.
"Congratulations to all recipients, and a very big thank you for your continued good work throughout the electorate," Mr Oakeshott said today.
14 March 2007