The NSW Government has allocated the funding to mining affected local government areas.

Eligible councils, including Maitland City Council, have been provided with a base amount of $1 million with a further $26 million, weighted to the most mining-affected communities.

In a report to the August 25 council meeting council was told that Maitland is eligible to apply for funding to deliver infrastructure, community programs or business case projects.

Applications closed on 2 September 2020.

Officers have considered program guidelines and potential projects and have made appkications for the following projects.

orpeth to Walka Water Works Shared Pathway, Environmental Assessment and Community Activation Program and and Maitland Gaol Development Plan Business Case.

Morpeth to Walka Water Works Shared Pathway - Stage 1 Morpeth project is for the development of a shared pedestrian and bicycle path along the waterfront adjacent to the Hunter River, from Robert Street to Paterson Bridge, Morpeth. The pathway, which would include interpretive public art and wayfinding signage as well as seating and bike racks, is part of a larger project to link two of Maitland's significant iconic sites, Morpeth and Walka Water Works Oakhampton. The project is supported by user groups, is incorporated into Maitland's Destination Management Plan, and meets the program objective of improving community amenity through new or upgraded community infrastructure. Funding requested is approximately $886,000.

Environmental Assessment and Community Activation Program is designed to identify and assess environmental stewardship sites, community codesign of the environmental space and community revegetation activities. The locations identified are Weblands Street, Aberglasslyn and Dunmore Street, Largs. The project will meet the objective of enhancing the overall liveability of mining communities. Funding requested is $300,000.

Maitland Gaol Development Plan Business Case project is to fund a consultant to prepare a cost benefit analysis of the Maitland Gaol Development Plan and Master Plan. The business case will assist in prioritising works and supporting evidenced based requests for investment / funding. The project will meet the objective of delivering new economic opportunities to help strengthen and/or diversity the local economy. Funding requested is $50,000.

"In recognising that mining places unique pressures on regional infrastructure, the NSW Government has provided $50 million in funding under Round 7 of the Resources for Regions fund," the council report said.

"The program has had a significant review since the previous round with funding now allocated at a base amount of $1 million to 24 eligible councils, with a balance of $26 million weighted to the most mining-affected local government areas."

As an identified mining-related community, Maitland City Council has been allocated an amount of $1,236,213 for suitable projects, pending application assessment.

Projects must be for infrastructure or community programs that support the ongoing prosperity of mining communities by providing economic opportunities, improved amenity and positive social outcomes.

There is also opportunity to apply for $50,000 for the purpose of preparing a business case.

Council officers have considered program guidelines, and potential projects, noting that following announcement of the funding officers have not received any requests for viable community initiated projects.

In assessing projects, officers considered mine related workers (around 6.2% of our employed population) and their families (around 7% of our total population) and what would help strengthen the economy, improve amenities or deliver wellbeing outcomes by enhancing liveability.