Mr Scully said that the NSW Government should be looking to every opportunity to get funds into communities in lockdown and opening applications for Round Five of the PKCIF provided an opportunity to get projects underway quickly.

The PKCIF is an annual funding program specifically for Port Kembla and surrounding suburbs to invest in public, environmental and business infrastructure.

Round Four was announced in March 2021 and 15 local projects shared in $2.1 million in funding. Most of projects involved some construction activity.

Mr Scully said that given the announcement of successful projects in past rounds had been delayed, getting the applications underway immediately will enable funding to be awarded so that work can start sooner rather than later.

“The funds are there and getting them out the door as quickly as possible will help deliver a local economic boost when it is needed most”, he said.

Mr Scully said that projects that nominated the use of local content and labour should be given a higher ranking in the assessment of projects.

“Now more than ever any public funding must be directed to boosting local businesses and supporting local jobs.”

He said the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund had helped 57 projects worth more than $8 million get off the ground over the last four years.

“Every dollar invested in local communities like Port Kembla means help for local businesses and local workers.

“I urge the NSW Government to open the application process immediately so we can get funding out the door to boost local businesses and support local jobs”, Mr Scully said.