“The PKCIF was set up as a 99 year fund and there is an expectation by the local community that its funds will be made available in a timely manner so local projects can contribute to local jobs and business support.

“Port Kembla needs the PKCIF funding to help in the COVID recovery process.

“The community is not helped by the funds sitting in a government idle bank account”, he said.

Applications for Round Four of the PKCIF closed in October 2020 with funding for 15 local projects worth $2.1 million announced early this year.

Mr Scully said the fifth round of the PKCIF should prioritise applications which use local content and labour and these 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”, Mr Scully said.