20 Apr 2018 Wangaratta Chronicle, Wangaratta VIC (General News) A NEW grassroots democracy program, Pick My Project, will be backed by $30 million from the Victorian Budget 2018/19 and will give all communities the chance to benefit. In a Victorian-first, all residents aged 16 and over will be able to submit their idea for consideration under the program. All theyll need is an idea that helps build a stronger community, and the backing of a local organisation, community group, school, local council, or other eligible group able to help deliver the project. Ideas could include anything from sporting and recreation infrastructure, community arts projects, improvements to community facilities or the local environment. Projects will need to be feasible and have land-owner consent, but there will be no restrictive guidelines meaning many local priorities that fall-between the cracks of other grant programs will be eligible for funding. Communities will then get to vote for the projects they think are most important, giving local residents the first and final say on the best way to improve their local area. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria), said projects between $20,000 and $200,000 will be eligible under the program, with funding spread between the states 15 Partnership Regions. This is about putting community funding decisions back in the hands of communities helping people in Northern Victoria come together to improve their local neighbourhood, Ms Symes said. To get ready and register your interest visit pickmyproject.vic.gov.au.Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.