Cash for key community facilities

Funding for everything from providing support services for disabled people to clubhouse extensions and a BMX track will result in better facilities for North Shore City residents.

A total of 17 groups have benefited from North Shore City Council's Community Facilities Fund.

The council's community services and parks committee made the final decision on sharing around the total pool of $835,000 at its latest meeting.

Chairwoman Margaret Miles was pleased with the range of projects supported by the council.

"I think we're given funding a diverse range of groups across arts, sporting and service organisations. It will not only help them provide better facilities in their own communities, but for the city," she says.

The largest sum - $150,000 - went to North Shore area St John Ambulance for a new emergency service centre and youth training facility at Albany.

Other recipients included North Harbour Volleyball, Harbour Hockey, Beach Haven/Birkdale Residents and Ratepayers Association, Lake House Arts Centre and Greenhithe Pony Club.

The criteria of the fund means only non-profit community organisations in North Shore City can apply, and the money can only be used for planning, construction, fit-out or refurbishment of a facility.

"Although council is not the first source of funding for these projects - many of which are worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars - our contribution makes a huge impact," says Councillor Miles.

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