Council’s spokesperson for sport and recreation Cr Graeme McNeill said the funding program gave sporting and community groups an opportunity to apply for matched funding to improve or replace sport and recreational facilities within the shire.

“Grants are available on a matched dollar-for-dollar basis up to value of $50,000 per project,” he said.

“The total amount allocated for this round period is $100,000.

“This large capital grants program follows on from the very successful small capital grants program, which was launched last year with a cap of $2000 per project with a total pool of $20,000.

“It has continued this year with an increased pool of $25,000, with recipients to be announced this month.

“These programs came about after a recommendation from the shire's sport and recreation group to seek assistance to improve the standard of community facilities.

“After meetings with the mayor, councillors and staff, the concept of dollar-for-dollar matched funding programs was developed.

“The concept has created tighter bonds between council and user groups due to the partnership arrangement, as well as community building within the user groups through group based fund raising meetings and events.

“It has also created a greater sense of pride and interest in the facilities with the additional personal investment.

“In my view this has been an excellent initiative and much of which was hoped has already been achieved.

“For this I believe both council staff and those community groups involved should be congratulated.”

Grant application forms and guidelines are available from the Muswellbrook Shire Council Administration building, or from council's web site.

The application period is from February 1 to March 17.