BY OLIVIA DILLON
Councils and community groups in the Hunter are being encouraged to apply for a new round of federal government grants.
The $600 million Growing Regions Program has been brought in to replace the previous government's controversial Regional Growth Fund.
Federal Labor has accused the Liberals and Nationals of pork-barreling and ignoring communities like the Hunter, after it was revealed 96% of funding from the Regional Growth Fund went to Coalition-held electorates.
The government says all local councils and community groups looking to deliver critical regional infrastructure will be eligible under the new program.
Expressions of interest are now open.
