Local councils are encouraged to apply for funding under the Responsible Pet Ownership Grants Program.

The program is a $900,000 commitment over three years by the NSW Government as part of its response to the recommendations of the Companion Animals Taskforce.

The scheme will fund local and regional responsible pet ownership projects, with a focus on innovation and collaboration between councils and other animal welfare organisations.

In particular, the program will target areas which have large numbers of unregistered dogs, dog attacks or dangerous dog issues.

Individual councils will be able to apply for a grant of up to $15,000, while joint council projects can receive up to $50,000.

The closing date for Round 1 applications is Friday, 3 October 2014.

More information is available on the Office of Local Government’s website: http://www.dlg.nsw.gov.au

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CALLED ON FOR CLUBGRANTS

Local governments, non-profit organisations and non-trading cooperatives with facilities such as sport grounds, recreational parks or local museums are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a share in up to $12 million funding under the ClubGRANTS Category 3 Program.

In this upcoming funding round, Category 3 grants will focus on providing funding to develop or enhance infrastructure facilities in local communities

Applications are now open and will close on Monday, 15 September 2014. Successful Expression of Interest applicants will then be invited to submit a full application.

An Applicant Information Pack providing information on eligibility criteria, application processes and assessment criteria for the ClubGRANTS Category 3 2014/15 funding round is available at http://www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/ClubGRANTSCategory3/.

REFORM TO NSW GOVERNMENT’S REGIONAL RELOCATION GRANT

Changes announced late last week will see additional funding delivered to continue the successful $10,000 Skilled Regional Relocation Incentive, which is tied to secure full-time employment over two years.

The Skilled Regional Relocation Incentive has helped attract a broad range of professionals to regional NSW, including doctors, architects, real estate agents, engineers and police officers.

Three quarters of the recipients of the incentive have been under 40 years of age. These people have taken up jobs or set up their own businesses in regional NSW, making a direct contribution to the local economy.

The eligibility criteria and application form can be found online at http://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/grants/rrg/srri