The Liberal and Nationals Government has so far failed to announce the opening of Round 4 of the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund (PKCIF) more than 12 months since the last round of applications were invited.

Successful Round 3 projects totalling $2.9 million under the PKCIF were announced earlier this year.

When the establishment of the PKCIF was first announcement in March 2016, there was an expectation created in the Port Kembla community that the fund would be open to applications annually until the program expires in 2115.

Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully said, “I get many inquiries from local community groups asking me when the next round of the PKCIF will be opened.

“Unfortunately, I’m forced to advise them that the Government hasn’t yet announced the opening of another round of funding – this was recently confirmed in Budget Estimates Committee.

“It is really disappointing for the local community because they have an expectation created by the Government when the PKCIF was first announced in early 2016 that the fund would open every year for the remaining next 96 years.

“Unless the Government gets a move on and opens the process to applications, there may not be a round of funding for 2020.

“I note there is a limited review of the program that has been underway for most of the year but the Government should not hide behind that as an excuse for delays”, he said.

Mr Scully called on the Deputy Premier and Minister for Industry and Trade, John Barilaro to finalise the funding guidelines for PKCIF Round 4 and open the program to applications as soon as possible.

“The local Port Kembla community is always brimming with ideas on how they can improve this unique suburb.

“The local community will be very disappointed if the fund doesn’t offer the opportunity to continue the momentum to fund community projects over the next 12 months or longer”, he said.