Local governments and community groups are being restricted by new objectives set by Round 9 of the Federal Government's Stronger Communities Programme.
Federal Member for Flynn, Colin Boyce said Labor's guidelines show how blind this Government is to what local communities really need especially during a cost-of-living crisis.
"Stronger Communities has long been a popular funding opportunity for local government or not for profits to apply for small grants between $2,500 and $20,000. However, Labor has changed the goal posts making it harder to apply under this pre-election funding round," Mr Boyce said.
"The Stronger Communities Program should be an opportunity for organisations in the electorate of Flynn to apply for funding for kitchen facilities, sporting equipment, shade sails or fixing up change rooms so volunteer groups can continue to do the valuable work they do for our community.
"Unfortunately, the list of eligible organisations and activities has been constrained via a difficult two process to promote causes such as settlement of newly arrived migrants, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating gender-neutral facilities or celebrating NAIDOC week.
"It will be challenging for the local men's shed, volunteer fire brigade, SES unit or surf lifesaving club to qualify with these constrained guidelines
"Our volunteers give up their time to serve the local community and should be able to apply for grants to help deliver the core functions of their organisations, rather than being forced to apply to support causes being pushed by Labor Party ministers operating out of Canberra."
