CASEY council has replaced its Ward Grant program with a new process to ensure it is in line with amendments to the Local Government Act.
The council will now abide by the new Quick Response Grant policy after the Local Government Amendment (Improved Governance) Bill 2015 was passed by Parliament in October, which sees a number of changes to the Local Government Act including abolishing councillor discretionary funds.
Edrington Ward councillor Susan Serey, who moved the motion, said the current Councillor Ward Grant policy would not be compliant under next year’s bill and the council has now resolved to adopt the new process.
“Although it’s not yet in operation, the council is quickly responding to the new legislation in recognition of good governance,” Cr Serey said.
Casey Mayor Sam Aziz said the Quick Response Grant program would allow the council to continue to provide “efficient funding opportunities” for community groups who need financial assistance in a “short time frame”.
“The Quick Response Grant program will provide responses to applicants within three business days and will support community groups, sporting clubs and schools to provide services for the benefit of the Casey community,” he said.
The new grants program includes the same eligibility criteria as the previous policy.
The grants are designed for community groups, local organisations, schools, sporting clubs and associations that service Casey and are facing unexpected expenses, trialling a new program or activity, or which don’t meet the criteria of other council grant programs.
Applicants will be required to submit an application online at www.casey.vic.gov.au/fundingandgrants.
