State hospitality rescue package given the tick of approval by Business Hunter

BY JARROD MELMETH

Hunter residents are set to receive two more Dine and Discover vouchers in time for Summer.

The $250 million dollar announcement, as part of a hospitality rescue package, from the state government is expected to inject $500 million back into the economy.

Hospitality businesses will also have the chance to apply for $5,000 grants to establish outdoor dining and entertainment precincts as part of a $66 million Alfresco Restart initiative. These grants will be available to 5,000 businesses and will be offered on first in, first served basis.

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean says the program will allow businesses to open up to more customers in a safe way.

"Alfresco dining is not only a great way to dine, it’s a safe way to socialise as we open up. That’s why we are supporting new outdoor entertainment and dining precincts to pop up right across the state," Mr Kean said.

The move is being welcomed by the Business Hunter who agree the initiative will support businesses through the warmer months.

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes says the programs will have substantial flow on effects for business and the economy.

"The hospitality and entertainment sectors have suffered immensely over the past two years, and this support will encourage people to get out and about during the Summer months and enjoy what their local venues and businesses have to offer.

"Businesses are enthusiastic about the coming months as people return to their favourite cafes and restaurants, and this support will help a number of smaller businesses get back on their feet and boost employment opportunities," Mr Hawes said.

Funding for Ideas to Reduce Hunter Crime

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

In a bid to stamp down crime across the Hunter region, the State Government is now looking to local community groups for possible solutions.

The Community Safety Fund is driving this collaborative approach to local crime, with grants of up to $250, 000 up for grabs for those with innovative ideas.

Councils, businesses and not-for-profit groups can apply for the grants online at www.crimeprevention.nsw.gov.au and submit ideas about improving safety and reducing crime in their local area.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald says he'd like to see local organisations get involved with this initiative and apply for a grant.

"I'd really urge people, particularly neighbourhood-watch type groups but anybody that is involved in their community, to look at these things and my suggestion would be strongly to talk to your local area command because whatever ideas are put up, really [have] a lot better chance at success if the local police are behind it."

While crime rates across the region may actually be going down, Scot MacDonald says numerous problem areas still exist.

"By and large, our stats are going down...but having said that, there is no doubt when I'm out there in the community there are "hot-spots" where there's anti-social behaviour. I've been around different areas where people have expressed their concerns over this, well now I'm saying to those people get some of your community together, look at this and see if you can put up a good idea."

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald

Road Safety Grants

BY MICHAEL COOK and JESSICA ROUSE

The Hunter's roads could soon receive a welcome boost with applications opening shortly for the third round of the NSW Government's Community Road Safety Grants program.

Applications for this latest round of grants open on the 13th of June with community groups invited to submit their road safety projects by July 23.

Local organisations can apply for minor project funding up to $5,000 or more substantial projects of up to $30,000 with a total of $1.6 million available.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald is urging anyone who is interested to apply because who knows the roads better than those who use them on a daily basis.

"If you're on there everyday going to work and to school going to the shops, whatever you're doing, you're the person that sees where the shortfalls are and where we could do with a little bit of extra funding around that road."

"We're a pretty extensive road network so we're all busy catching up in that respect - there's a lot more traffic on the road, RMS are doing a good job of planning for the future but of course there's little projects that the community can identify and that's really what I'm looking for the community to think about," said Scot MacDonald.

Baird Government Kick-Starts Newcastle's "Digital Precinct"

BY TANYA DU PREEZ

The Baird Government will grant the clean-tech start up firm Eighteen04 $300, 000 to kick-start Newcastle's "digital precinct".

The funding will allow the business "incubator" to move from Mayfield to a new home on Parry Street, which will create 218 jobs.

The "digital precinct" in Newcastle's City Centre will include free public Wi-Fi, high-speed broadband and an innovation hub aimed at attracting new industries and jobs to the Hunter.

Eighteen04 co-founder and director Andrew Mears says the company provides work space for "liked-minded" start-ups that could "create a community".

"Now that we have this new space, we are opening our doors, and if there's any entrepreneurs who are looking to develop a new technology start-up business in the clean-tech and smart-city space, then we'd love to hear from you," he says.

The "digital precinct" innovation offers free public Wi-Fi in Newcastle (Source: Around You)

Environmental Grants for Hunter Now Available

BY TANYA DU PREEZ

The Office of Environment and Heritage is now encouraging Hunter organisations to apply for the 2016/17 Restoration and Rehabilitation Grant Program.

Over $4 million is worth of grant funds is up for grabs for Hunter community groups and government entities.

The grant program aims to assist in the protection of ecosystems and the restoration of degraded environments.

Senior Team Leader for Contestable Grants Geoff Hudson says all relevant organisations should consider putting in an application.

"We encourage all groups and local community organisations to apply, as funding is available up to $100 000 over three years."

The program has been running for over 20 years, with 56 grants being awarded across the state last year.

Grants will help Hunter organisations to provide sustainable environmental outcomes (Source: cio.com.au)