Tuesday March 27, 2012

AFTER investing its time exploring the Flinders Shire region for coal this year, Blackwood Corporation has now injected $10,000 back in to the community.

Blackwood Corporation Limited is an emerging Australian energy and resources company, which started its exploration of Hughenden North in late 2011.

Flinders Shire Council recently received the $10,000 funding as part of the Blackwood Coal Community Grants Program 2012 - a program designed to provide assistance to local community groups for capital and non-capital items.

Council Community Development Officer Sherilee Honnery said Blackwood Corporation had contacted Council offering the grant to support the region where they were working.

``Its hoped community groups that are non-profit apply for the funding, with the money used for upgrade of assets/facilities that are owned by the applicant, equipment, uniforms, skills development and participation initiatives,’’ Ms Honnery said.

``Groups can apply for $1,000, with the maximum being $2500 for exceptional projects.

``Application forms will be on the Flinders Shire website today (Tuesday March 27) and applications close on April 27.’’

Blackwood Corporation has a primary focus on the exploration and development of its coal tenement portfolio in Queensland.

The Hughenden North project lies approximately 65km north of Hughenden.

Applicants for the Blackwood Coal Community Grants Program 2012 must demonstrate a genuine need for the project.

The application should address a community need and reflect a clear whole community benefit and there also must be evidence of capacity for the applicant to successfully complete the project.

Applications which will not be considered include: general operating costs (eg electricity, rates, phone, rent, meals, hire of Council assets, accommodation and maintenance), private or commercial ventures, projects under litigation, relocation costs, retrospective funding, recurrent funding, support for an individual pursuit,  commercial activities, ongoing salaries and wages for staff (a position created for the length of the project is considered eligible), projects that do not involve the Flinders Shire Council community.

If any Flinders Shire community group needs help completing the application, or assessing their eligibility for the grant, contact Sherilee Honnery at Council on 47412900 or email cdo@flinders.qld.gov.au.

On the left is Blackwood Corporation Field Operations Supervisor Tony Brewer and shaking Flinders Shire Council Mayor Brendan McNamara's hand is General Manager Business Development Brendan Schilling.

For application forms CLICK HERE