Joint media release with the Member for Grey, Rowan Ramsey MP

Minister for Resources and Water, Keith Pitt, confirmed that the application deadline for the latest round of Kimba’s Community Benefit Program grants will be extended by one month. 

The $2 million funding round, open to the Kimba community as part of the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility project, was due to close on 3 February 2022.

Applications will now be received up until 3 March 2022. 

Minister Pitt said the extension recognises the hardship the community is experiencing as a result of historic record-breaking rains which have recently impacted the Kimba community.

“The Kimba community has been hit hard by heavy rainfall, which has caused significant disruption locally,” Minister Pitt said. 

“I have heard loud and clear from local MP, Rowan Ramsey, and local community members how much of an impact this event has had and how important an extension is. 

“This extension will allow the community to focus on the immediate situation locally and then consider their applications under the program.”

The significant rainfall on the Eyre Peninsula has impacted on local farms and roads. The land acquired for the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility was not impacted. 

Member for Grey, Rowan Ramsey said it was welcome news that the Minister had extended the application deadline. 

“This is a great result for Kimba locals, who I know are keen to get involved in this latest round of funding but have had to focus on their properties and businesses after recent flooding,” Mr Ramsey said. 

“The Minister listened to the community and has acted, and we are grateful for that.” 

The latest round of funding builds on a further $4 million in community grant funding that has already been invested in around 51 local projects.

Projects funded in previous rounds include the upgrades underway to the Kimba Medical Centre and Kimba RSL Club, resurfacing Kimba District sporting fields, and mental health initiatives.

In addition to the Community Benefit Program, a $31 million Community Development Package (CDP) will be available to leverage the benefits that come with hosting the facility.  

Once the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility is operating it will generate around $8.4 million in annual flow-on benefits to the local economy, according to Cadence Economics.

To find out more about the facility, visit: radioactivewaste.gov.au 

Media contact: Minister Pitt's office 02 6277 7180