The State Government’s $40 million Fund My Neighbourhood program which was officially launched today will give local residents the final say in which projects will be funded.

Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo said that in one of the world's biggest participatory budgeting exercises, local people are being given the power to nominate and vote for projects that improve their streets, suburbs and towns.

Mr Piccolo was urging local people and community organisations to submit

ideas that improve their neighbourhood and bring their communities together.

“Individuals’ ideas must be sponsored by an organisation such as a sporting club, charity, school, community group or non-government organisation, who will be eligible to receive the funding,” said Mr Piccolo.

A total of $20 million has been allocated across the state for Round One of the program with a further $20 million will be available in Round Two in 2018.

Mr Piccolo said local people and community organisations can nominate ideas valued at $10,000 up to $150,000.“Projects can be as diverse as community hall or neighbourhood centre upgrades, a community garden, beautification of parks and playgrounds, or initiatives designed to strengthen community cohesion.

Mr Piccolo said at the local level, the Gawler & Districts College Governing Council would like to establish a ‘student resilience centre’ while the Children’s Centre next door are keen to establish a community based toy library.

“I am aware that the Gawler Uniting Church would like to build a family friendly playground while the Gawler Machinery Restorers Club Inc would like to build a new workshop so they can continue their work to restore Gawler’s manufacturing heritage.”

Mr Piccolo encourages any individual or community organisation that has an idea about how they can makes their neighbourhood safer, or helps bring people together, or just improves community wellbeing, to seriously consider nominating a project.

Mr Piccolo said that he and his staff are available to assist local people in the Light electorate with the nomination process.

“People thinking about nominating a project, but would like some assistance or advice, should register with his office via email at light@parliament.sa.gov.au or via phone and we will contact them about a “nomination workshop” we will be holding in a few weeks’ time.

“I’m am keen to give local projects the best chance to be successful,” said Mr Piccolo

Nominations are now open and close Friday, 8 September 2017.Following a verification process, eligible projects will go online for South Australians to vote.

Successful projects will be announced later this year.For full eligibility criteria and to submit an idea, visit the Fund My Neighbourhood website www.fundmyneighbourhood.sa.gov.au