Council supports 31 local projects through community grants

Redland City Council has provided funding support for 31 community projects and events through round one of the 2023/24 Community Grants Program.

Mayor Karen Williams said more than $174,600 had been allocated to support the local organisations and individuals on Redlands Coast.

“Grants were available in four categories – organisation support, project support, conservation and capital infrastructure,” Cr Williams said.

“All the projects funded through this grants program contribute to the vibrancy of our community and many are initiated and managed primarily by volunteers.

“The diversity of successful applicants illustrates the range of initiatives supported by our grants program, encompassing community and sporting groups, churches, veterans, youth and individuals, on both the mainland and islands.

“More than half of the funding has been allocated to capital infrastructure projects, which can be very costly for our clubs and organisations.

“We are therefore pleased to support projects such as facility upgrades and renovations, improvements to drainage and water treatment, a solar system installation, construction of a shed and disability toilet, and scoreboard power and data supply.

“Council has also provided funding to help organisations improve governance and management practices, including constitution reviews, a mental health first aid workshop, grant and first aid training, and technology upskilling.”

Cr Williams said four activities received funding towards one-off projects, events or activities.

“This includes an Islands Extravaganza on Australia Day 2024, school holidays activities for children, a skate park collective and an environment and wildlife guide for one of our islands.

“There were also six grants for conservation projects, including five by individuals.

“Registered wildlife carers do an amazing job and Council is pleased to support their efforts through our grants program.

“These latest grants will help fund the rescue and transport of sick and injured koalas, and equipment and training for a specialised koala rescue tree climber.

“There is also funding for the rehabilitation of sick, injured or orphaned possums, equipment suitable for the rescue of sick, injured and trapped flying foxes and other bat species, and a fully-equipped aviary for the soft release of possum and selected birds.”

A second round of Community Grants will open on 19 February 2024.

For more information on all the projects funded through round one of Redland City Council’s 2023/24 Community Grants Program, visit the Grants and sponsorship page on Council’s website.