By Dominique Tassell
Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) erupted into debate at the recent Ordinary Council Meeting over the Grants to Community Policy and Guidelines amendments.
A motion to approve the amendments was unsuccessful, with consideration of these amendments deferred to the New Year.
The purpose of the Grants to Community is for Council to support local not-for-profit organisations and to undertake projects or activities that will benefit the Southern Downs’ residents and community.
In the meeting agenda, it was stated that following Round One of the 2021/22 Community Grant Program, feedback was sought from the community and Councillors in relation to the Grants to Community Policy and Guidelines.
SDRC stated that feedback received has highlighted a need for a continuing grant program year-round which will assist with distributing funds further throughout the community.
Proposed amendments included changing the program so it was open to applications all year round instead of holding two funding rounds, and reducing the maximum grant from $5,000 to $2,000.
A third amendment proposed stated that Community Grants assessment would be undertaken by a Council officer and approved under delegation by the Manager responsible for Grants to Community.
Eligible applicants may receive one grant per financial year from Council’s funding programs (Community Grant or RADF).
In the meeting, Councillor Sheryl Windle stated that councillors needed to be consulted regarding the amendments, while Councillor Marco Gliori took issue with the proposed $2000 cap on funding.
“It doesn’t seem palatable to me.”
Councillor Stephen Tancred raised that he thought having a councillor from both ends assessing application would be prudent.
Councillor Cynthia McDonald supported the amendments, and said she believes SDRC need to focus on the “core business” of “roads, rates, and rubbish”.
Councillor Gliori said with $5000, he believed fewer people miss out because more will apply for $2000.
Councillor Jo McNally said she would like to see it stay at $5000 as it’s hard to purchase equipment and other necessary items with less than that.
Councillor Ross Bartley endorsed the amendments and said SDRC should be encouraging people to apply for gambling funds and other funding streams.
“It’s not grant money, it’s ratepayer money,” he said.
He echoed Councillor McDonald, stating that SDRC should focus on “core business”.
Councillor Bartley said SDRC has “created a monster” and need to “wean” the community off grants.
Councillor Gliori spoke against this, stating he didn’t like this attitude.
“It’s a really sad situation when council isn’t helping these groups,” he said.
Councillor Bartley once more referenced gambling funds, stating that organisations such as hall committees take advantage of them and this should be encouraged.
Councillor Windle stated that drought funding had been a “lifeline” to community halls in recent times.
Councillor Cameron Gow said he believed SDRC officers need direction and was happy to leave the funding amount at $5000.
The motion to defer consideration of the amendments was moved by Councillor Gow and seconded by Councillor Andrew Gale.
