NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has announced the 2011 Community Building Partnership program open to applications, and local residents are encouraged to apply for a slice of the funding.

Mr O’Farrell said he was delighted to fulfil another election commitment delivering vital infrastructure funding to communities throughout the state.

“This is about helping communities move essential projects forward and improve the provision of local services with much required grants and funding,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“My Government is allocating $35 million to this initiative which means $300,000 is available in the form of grants and funding for each electoral district.

“With 93 districts across NSW this is a program that aims to support a diversity of community needs.”

The Member for Monaro, John Barilaro has welcomed the announcement as a vital means of improving community facilities in the region.

“Local jobs and community participation will also flow from projects considered eligible for funding,” Mr Barilaro said.

“I encourage community organisations and local councils to consider their eligibility for the program.

“The successful projects in Monaro will be announced by the Premier in March 2012.”

The 2011 CBP is open for applications for seven weeks and will close on Monday, October 31.

Projects must be ready to commence by mid-2012 and be completed by the end of June 2013.