The Bugle recently published an article “Stronger Communities Program abandoned” with some hard-hitting comments by Darren Chester, the Shadow Minister for Local Government and Regional Development, criticising what he sees as an abandonment of the Stronger Communities Program (SCP) that was developed by the former Coalition Government. Fiona Phillips, the MP for Gilmore, completely disagrees.

Chester maintained that SCP provided $175 million to more than 15,000 small projects across the nation and said that he found it bizarre that the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Catherine King has failed to deliver money for future rounds of the program which was popular with Members of Parliament on both sides of the chamber.

Mrs Phillips says that she has poured federal money in for local community groups in Kiama and for important projects and will continue to do so through a variety of federal funding programs available. 

She says, “I have been proud to deliver Stronger Communities Round 8 funding, funded by the Albanese Government, to many local organisations, including $17,500 to the Gerringong Golf Club to help with fuel storage; $3,000 to the Jamberoo CWA to help with audio visual equipment; and $3,000 to the Kiama Table Tennis Club.”

Ms Phillips points out that this is on top of supporting many local groups in the Kiama LGA through the federal Volunteers Grant Scheme.

“I have delivered on my commitment for a dedicated headspace in Kiama, which is a much-needed service, as well funding $5.5 million for the Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club,” Mrs Phillips said. 

“There’s been federal funding to support Kiama Municipal Council to help make better Wallaby Hill Road, Foxground Road and Jamberoo Mountain Road.” 

“And recently delivering on my election commitment to help fix mobile black spots in Jamberoo with the announcement of Telstra as the provider”. 

Fiona Phillips concludes, “I am actually the one getting on and delivering federal funding for local Kiama LGA community groups and important projects and will continue to do so.”

Link to previous article that this article refers to.