Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie has protested the federal government axing of the Stronger Communities Program, saying it is a mean-spirited decision that leaves regional communities wanting.

She spoke on a Notice of Motion in Parliament this week on the program, which provided $150,000 for every electorate across Australia.

Ms Sharkie says In the last seven years 114 projects have been funded in Mayo. 

"The Stronger Communities Program was the most popular grassroots grant round available to our community.  

“Projects funded through the Stronger Communities Program were small in financial value but have enormous social value in communities."  

She says the government's decision to close the program is mean spirited, nation and will disproportionately affect community organisations in regional Australia.

"Sporting groups, community associations and progress societies all fundraise just to maintain what they have.  

“There is no capacity within regional communities to replace the funding that is now lost through the abandonment of this critical program”

Ms Sharkie says the  need for facilities and amenities upgrades and funding for community projects will always be there.

"The Minister should be increasing the funding that was available under the program, not removing it all together.

“The cessation of the Stronger Communities Program now leaves regional communities wanting.”