The Local Government Association of South Australian (LG SA) is encouraging councils to consider applying for their share of $2 million in funding, with the latest round of the Association’s Research and Development Scheme now open.
The program – which is unique to SA – allocates the funding each year to projects which build strategic capacity, inject innovation and transform practices for the benefit of South Australian councils.
Funding is open to any organisation including councils, State and Federal Governments, local government associations, businesses, education institutions and universities, and industry groups and associations.
LGA SA President, Mayor Dean Johnson said the funding round supported projects that tackle sector-wide challenges, improve efficiencies and unlock innovation.
“This funding facilitates growth and innovation in the local government sector which, in turn, helps create better services and programs for our communities,” Mayor Johnson said.
“Previous funding rounds have supported a wide range of projects including coastal management coordination, research into libraries, housing shortage studies and the creation of a local government workforce toolkit for regional SA.
“This year, successful projects must link to one or more of the key priority themes: homelessness and housing, climate and environment, financial sustainability and cost pressures, community wellbeing and inclusion, or skill shortages.”
Applicants must demonstrate and provide evidence of the benefit to the local government sector and show why the project is needed.
Mayor Johnson said applications could involve several partners working together to achieve real benefits that will make an impact in local government.
“Applications can involve individual organisations or multiple partners collaborating on a project to bring outcomes to life,” Mayor Johnson said.
“We are hoping to attract strong applications which get bright ideas off the ground and help shape positive long-term outcomes for our communities and the sector.”
Applications to the funding round are now open and will close at 4pm on Tuesday, 25 July 2023.
More information about funding available through the Scheme, including guidelines, eligibility criteria and how to apply, can be found on the LGA website:Â www.lga.sa.gov.au/research.