In a novel twist, a decision on how to allocate the $260,000 each State electorate is to receive through the NSW My Community Projects grants program is to be decided by online popular vote.

After identifying yourself as being from the Kiama electorate, you can vote by ranking up to five projects you’d like to see come to fruition.

At time of writing, The Bugle is aware of two applications for funding from the Kiama LGA. We will feature any others in our next edition.

One is from Jamberoo Public School, seeking just shy of $44,000 for the school-wide installation of solar panels.

“Solar energy is a great way for the school to shine – money saved through lower power bills will be used to provide essential educational resources and equipment that will benefit all of the school’s students,” says the P&C’s Nicole Reilly.

“The project will allow our community’s young people to see first-hand how sunlight is converted into electricity and how they can play a powerful and leading role in reducing our carbon footprint.

“The School will also engage local tradespeople and service providers to ensure this innovative sustainability project supports the local economy as well as our local environment.”

Another project seeking community support is from a group led by Annette Pust, which is seeking $150,000 in funding to design and construct a nature playground in Bonaira Native Garden.

The group has Council sponsorship for its proposal, which would see Kiama gaining a challenging play space for children, including elements such as ropes, swings, balance beams, a flying fox, water play areas, dens and climbing challenges.

In seeking Council backing to site the playground in a public reserve, the group said, “The development of such a playgound would be a shining star for the region.

“We imagine that this development would be a showpiece that other councils would look to model their future natural playground projects upon, not only in respect to the residents, but also for tourists visiting the Kiama community.”

Details: To help our local projects get across the line, go to mycommunityproject.service.nsw.gov.au   Voting opens on 15 July and closes on 15 August.