The Victorian government is continuing to support not-for-profit groups that lease rail land, buildings and other assets from VicTrack deliver community projects.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams today announced that successful applicants will share a total of $500,000 in funding through VicTrack’s Community Grants Program.
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Now in its second year, the Community Grants Program supports community organisations to maintain or refurbish their assets leased from VicTrack, which includes public open spaces, tourist and heritage railways and libraries.
As many groups are subject to environmental and heritage regulations relating to the assets they lease, they can also use the grants to help them meet these obligations.
The first round of funding, which opened last year, awarded a total of more than half a million dollars to 66 not-for-profit groups that lease land, buildings and other assets from VicTrack. Community groups can now apply for the grants, and applications are open for six weeks.
VicTrack makes underused land and buildings available to community organisations through its community leasing program.
Victoria’s tourist and heritage rail operators and museums preserve the state’s rail history and help to grow economic activity and jobs, particularly in regional areas, while providing opportunities for volunteering.
“We had a fantastic response to the community grants program when it was launched last year, with groups across the state using the funding they received to preserve historic rail precincts, maintain the railway corridor and create amazing public spaces,” public transport minister Gabrielle Williams said.
“The second round of community grants is a great opportunity for more tourist and heritage rail groups to receive funding, supporting the essential work they do around our state.”
For more information and to apply, visit victrack.com.au/communitygrants.