Category Archives: Local projects

Work has commenced on upgrades to the heritage-listed Cootamundra Fire Station to modernise the building and ensure it is fit for purpose, while preserving its historical value, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said.

Ms Cooke said the project represented a balance between conserving the town’s heritage while safeguarding the functionality of an essential piece of community infrastructure.

“The fire station was built in 1913 and has served the local community well for more than one hundred years,” Ms Cooke said.

“It’s a beautiful building and is a wonderful reminder of days gone by, and while it is important to preserve our history, it’s equally important that the fire station meets modern standards, and the renovations that are now underway will ensure it is a state-of-the-art facility, with the capabilities to deal with the challenges of today,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the work is due for completion in December this year, emphasising that the station will remain operational throughout the build.

“The $2.5 million upgrades will include a new engine bay for the truck to park in, enabling trucks to drive through the station, eliminating the need to reverse in off the road. There will be a new office, along with new change rooms and amenities, which will ensure brigade members have the facilities they need as they carry out their vital work,” Ms Cooke said.

“Careful attention will be paid to preserving the station’s heritage features, such as its distinctive facade and other architectural elements.

“The work our first-responders do should never be taken for granted, and I am committed to ensuring our frontline emergency services personnel have the very best facilities to enable them to keep communities safer and stronger when future hazards emerge.

“I’m pleased that Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib recognises this, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to secure vital investments in our regionally-based emergency services,” she said.

Photo: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke at the Cootamundra Fire Station with members of the local brigade.

Ongoing investment in our rural and regional roads network is vital to the long-term prosperity of our towns and villages, with robust road infrastructure the backbone of thriving local communities, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said.

Speaking at the official opening of upgrades to Tara-Bectric Road at Temora – which together with other improvements, including the Tara-Bectric Road Bridge, brings total investment in the road to more than $3.5 million under the previous Coalition Government’s Fixing Country Roads program – Ms Cooke said our roads infrastructure lies at the heart of the social and economic health of the regions.

“Ensuring rural and regional communities continue to get their fair share of road funding is vital for the ongoing safety and productivity of our local towns and villages,” Ms Cooke said.

“Our roads are the backbone of the community – it’s how we get to work, school, medical appointments, how we socialise and keep in touch with friends and family. Our roads are vital to our local trade and commerce, as well as tourism – and it’s for these reasons we need roadways that allow people to conduct business, stay connected, and stay safe.

“When you consider that more than one-in-five jobs in the Cootamundra electorate are directly related to agriculture – that’s over 7,000 people – we need to ensure we have the infrastructure in place that supports the ag-sector, and allows the world-class goods that we produce, to get to where it needs to go efficiently and without delay.

“It’s with this in mind that I have advocated tirelessly for our region, to ensure the Regional Roads Minister fully understands and appreciates the pivotal role our roads play in connecting our towns, and enabling economic growth.

“The previous Coalition Government certainly recognised this, and committed billions in programs like Fixing Local Roads, Fixing Country Bridges and Fixing Country Roads, which enhanced local road networks, and provided the investment needed to repair this vital infrastructure following drought, fires, and floods.

“Road projects like this here in Temora, drive big benefits for safety and the economy in the bush, and ensures the network our communities rely on every day is dependable, smooth and safe,” she said.

Photo: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke was on hand to officially open the upgrades to Tara-Bectric Road, Temora. She was joined by members of the community, including Temora Shire Council Mayor Rick Firman.

Sport and recreation in West Wyalong has been transformed after the official opening of the renovated West Wyalong Recreation Ground, by the Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke.

Ms Cooke said she was proud to do the honours, having secured an investment of close to half a million dollars for the upgrades, which includes the resurfacing of the netball courts, renovation of the cricket nets, an upgrade to the sports lighting, and renewed fencing.

“This is a fantastic community and I’m just so delighted to have been able to secure the $485,000 in funding, that has breathed new life into the recreation ground here in West Wyalong,” Ms Cooke said.

“Community sport is a vital part of our social fabric, and the upgraded facilities will encourage greater community participation in sports, and support growth in our local sporting clubs.

“Congratulations to the council and all those involved in making this project a reality; it’s by enhancing our local infrastructure that we can continue to grow investment and interest in the West Wyalong community, and indeed, right across the Bland Shire,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the West Wyalong Recreation Ground project was one of five in West Wyalong that shared in a $2.1 million funding injection under the previous Coalition Government’s Resources for Regions fund, round seven.

These included Cooinda Waters Canoe Circuit ($350,000), West Wyalong Harness Racing Club refurbishment ($354,763), West Wyalong Golf Course rejuvenation & sustainability project ($299,236), and West Wyalong Aerodrome upgrade ($606,173).

“I was proud to be a part of a government that invested heavily in the regions, especially in projects that increased sporting participation, promoted healthy lifestyles, and fostered vibrant communities,” Ms Cooke said.

“An important focus of these funds was around encouraging growth in our rural and regional towns and villages, and I will continue to pressure the current government to ensure they don’t lose sight of that focus,” she said.

Photo: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke and Bland Shire Council Mayor Brian Monaghan joined with members of the sporting community to celebrate the official opening of the renovated West Wyalong Recreation Ground.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke was in Temora to officially open the upgrades to the Bundawarrah Centre, including a new walkway for a revitalised entrance to the Temora Rural Museum.

Ms Cooke said recent upgrades have been made possible thanks to federal and state government funding, including $187,200 under the previous Coalition Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

“I have seen many changes to the Temora Rural Museum over the years, all of which have encouraged more and more visitors to the area, boosting the local economy,” Ms Cooke said.

“Thousands of people visit the museum each year to see the amazing collection, so the upgrades to the Bundawarrah Centre will certainly enhance the experience and ensure it continues to be a major attraction in the town, both for residents and tourists alike,” she said.

During the opening, Ms Cooke also had the honour of presenting a plaque to Superintendent Steve Holden (retired), in recognition of his tireless work in showcasing the vital history around the evolution of bush firefighting in the area over many decades.

Superintendent Holden was the District Manager for the NSW Rural Fire Service (Bland Temora Zone) from 2001 to 2021.

“Not only was Steve a member of the RFS but he’s also a volunteer of the Thanowring Rural Fire Brigade which he remains a member of today,” Ms Cooke said.

“Steve has always been committed to serving the community across a number of organisations, including as a volunteer member of the Temora Rural Museum. He was instrumental in the creation of the NSW Rural Fire Service Community Engagement Centre, which forms one of the many historic displays within the museum,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the Rural Fire Service Community Engagement Centre incorporates appliances, equipment, and many ancillary items associated with the vast history of the RFS.

“This display is a credit to Steve’s efforts, and that of the volunteers that help maintain this vital link to our fire-fighting history, including the men and women who have contributed throughout the years,” Ms Cooke said.

Photograph caption: Steph Cooke MP presenting Steve Holden with a plaque in recognition of his work establishing the NSW Rural Fire Service Community Engagement Centre.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced the Cowra Early Childhood Services (CECS) has been awarded $3.7 million in State Government funding to build a new 60-place community pre-school.

Ms Cooke said the funding has been secured thanks to the Start Strong Capital Works Grants Program, and together with input from CECS, will see an investment of $4 million towards building the new preschool.

“It has been a long road to get to this point, so I’m just so thrilled that all our hard work in advocating for this vital project has finally paid off, and that families in Cowra will soon have access to more preschool places in this community,” Ms Cooke said.

“I’d like to congratulate CECS General Manager Libby Ewing-Jarvie and the entire team, who do such an amazing job each and every day.

“Investments in our preschools are quite literally an investment in our future; we must do everything we can to ensure our youngest learners have access to the best possible start when it comes to their education.

“Securing investments for our preschool-aged children has been a top priority for me personally – and indeed for the Coalition more broadly – over the years, having secured over $4 million in preschool funding for our Cootamundra electorate since I was elected in 2017,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the new facility will create additional preschool places, which will then also open up places at CECS for families looking for long day-care.

“It’s all about providing parents and families with more places in an area of high need, and the new preschool will help ensure families have the chance to utilise both preschool and day-care opportunities here in Cowra,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Cooke said today’s announcement follows news that Boorowa has been chosen as the site of a new public preschool, one of just 49 locations in regional New South Wales.

“As the local member, ensuring we have access to these services is just so vital. It goes far beyond bricks and mortar; funding like this will literally change the lives of families and improve outcomes for our young ones, for generations to come,” Ms Cooke said. 

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the recent refurbishments to the Junee Senior Citizen’s Welfare Club Hall will allow the group to expand their activities in 2024, and will ensure the club continues to support seniors in the community well into the future.

Ms Cooke said the entire community of Junee will benefit from the upgrades, made possible thanks to a $60,783 grant provided under the previous NSW Coalition Government.

“This much-needed cash injection helps our regional groups do what they do best in serving their local communities, and I am delighted the hall is now equipped to provide the best possible experience for club patrons and those who hire the venue,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Cooke said the funding was provided under the Clubgrants Category 3 Fund, which provides infrastructure grants for arts and culture, community, disaster readiness, and sport and recreation.

The works on the hall include the installation of an accessible toilet, as well as security upgrades with the installation of security grills on the windows, and CCTV.

The hall now boasts new audio-visual equipment, along with Internet access that will allow the club to host various presentations, information sessions, and small movie events.

Junee Senior Citizen’s Welfare Club Treasurer Barbara Guthrie said the hall is used by a number of groups, and the improvements will ensure all members of the community can take advantage of this revitalised asset. “We are delighted to know that people with walkers and wheelchairs will now have access to the toilets, along with some technology to help us move into the 21st Century,” Barbara said.

A new playground in Koorawatha is expected to be a major drawcard for visitors to the village, after it was officially opened during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Memorial Park.

Ideally situated just off the Olympic Way, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the new equipment will be a big attraction for travellers looking to break up their journey.

“The new playground is a wonderful asset for the village of Koorawatha, and I certainly encourage locals and visitors of all ages, to come and try-out all the new equipment for themselves, and enjoy the surrounding revitalised recreation area,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Cooke said she was extremely proud to have supported the project, which was made possible thanks to a $441,360 grant under the previous NSW Coalition Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

“This playground has revitalised Koorawatha Memorial Park and will allow members of the community, along with visitors to the area, to enjoy a modern facility which provides and promotes an active and healthy lifestyle,” Ms Cooke said.

“Residents in villages across our entire Cootamundra electorate are just so passionate about finding ways to enhance their communities, and I certainly applaud projects like this that represent a long-term vision for the future of Koorawatha,” she said.

During the proceedings, Ms Cooke acknowledged the hard work and dedication of members of the Koorawatha Progress Association in bringing the project to fruition.

“Today is the culmination of a lot of hard work by dedicated locals over a number of years; it takes a long time and a lot of effort to pull projects like this together, so I congratulate the Koorawatha Progress Association, particularly Secretary and Treasurer Jane Fisher, for their tireless commitment,” Ms Cooke said.

The new playground features a central treehouse tower, a flying fox, swings large and small, obstacle course, and buggy rocker. Park benches are provided, in addition to an undercover, accessible picnic shelter that complements the barbecue facility, while concrete pathways give access to scooters, bikes, trikes, walkers, and wheelchairs.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the completion of significant upgrades at Bob Aldridge Park, marks a new era for sport in Temora.

Ms Cooke was joined by Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman, council staff, and members of the community to officially open the new-look park facilities on Wednesday.

“Community sport is a vital part of our social fabric, and the upgraded facilities at Bob Aldridge Park will encourage greater community participation in sports, and support growth in our local sporting clubs,” Ms Cooke said. 

Ms Cooke said the changes include the construction of a new amenities building incorporating state-of-the-art change rooms and accessible restrooms. Ms Cooke also emphasised the importance of investing in local infrastructure to promote active and healthy lifestyles.

The upgrades have been made possible thanks to a $518,078 grant provided under the previous NSW Coalition Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund, along with funding from Temora Junior Rugby League ($30,000), Temora Touch Association ($10,000), and Temora Shire Council ($30,000).

“The previous government also invested $55,000 to upgrade the lighting at the park, as part of the Female Friendly Community Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrade Program,” Ms Cooke said.

“I was proud to be a part of a government that invested heavily in the regions, especially in projects that increased sporting participation, promoted healthy lifestyles, and fostered vibrant communities.

“An important focus of these funds was around encouraging the participation of girls and women – and people with a disability – in sport, and I will continue to pressure the current government to ensure they don’t lose sight of that focus,” she said.

Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman thanked Ms Cooke on behalf of the community, adding that the upgrades promise to have a positive impact on local sports and recreational activities.

“Two of our sporting clubs utilise this facility, Temora Touch Football and Temora Schoolboys Rugby League; both are hardworking clubs with dedicated officials and players, so they deserve this significant upgrade,” Mayor Firman said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the West Wyalong Water Reliability Project will reinforce water supply and security in the Bland Shire to support residents, industry, and agriculture into the future.

Ms Cooke was on-hand today to help officially open the project, which consists of a new water tower, 8km water supply trunk main, 7km distribution water main, and new transfer pump station.

“The water network had reached capacity, so the West Wyalong Water Reliability Project has upgraded the existing distribution network in a way that will support future expansion in West Wyalong and across the Bland Shire,” Ms Cooke said.

Along with supporting future growth opportunities, Ms Cooke said the close to $14 million project will also address residents’ concerns about water pressure.

“The project will increase water pressure to the Wyalong & West Wyalong townships, increase security of water supply, and allow for future expansion of the Lake Cowal mine, the township, and agricultural industry,” Ms Cooke said.

“Water infrastructure is so very important for every community across our regions; this infrastructure will help incentivise future development – both residential and commercial – which will boost the growth of the region by supporting industries that create jobs, enhance productivity, and help reinforce the local economy.

“The Coalition in New South Wales knows just how vital water is to the sustainability of our towns and villages; it is the lifeblood of our communities, so I’m very proud to have been a part of a government that prioritised projects like this, and contributed the funds needed to help make it a reality,” she said.

Funding for the West Wyalong Water Reliability Project was made available under the previous Federal Coalition Government as part of the Commonwealth’s National Water Grid Fund Connections Pathway ($4.5 million), along with the previous NSW Coalition Government’s Resources for Regions Fund ($2.65 million), Bland Shire Council ($800,000) and Goldenfields Water ($5.25 million).

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has praised the team behind the local Boys to the Bush support service, with the organisation going ahead in leaps and bounds since the Young hub was established in 2022.

“When it comes to having a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of people in our towns and villages, the programs provided by Boys to the Bush, are up there as some of the best,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Cooke said Boys to the Bush is a not-for-profit charity providing prevention and early intervention strategies for young men between the ages of nine and 22 who are at risk of disengagement.

“The team support disengaged young men across the region by providing camps and mentoring to not only teach valuable life skills, but to also help improve their education and employability,” Ms Cooke said.

Their mission is to ‘provide an environment free from the distractions in their lives, allowing boys the opportunity to be surrounded by positive influences and giving them opportunities to succeed. Encouraging mateship, resilience, and a sense of belonging’.

“I stopped-by the Young hub recently for a chat with team members Pete Butcher and Cassandra Tyack, who filled me in on their latest outreach programs. They tell me they’re growing all the time, providing on-the-ground support to dozens of boys and young men, making sure they know that if they’re struggling, they don’t have to go it alone,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Cooke said she was proud to have been a part of a Coalition Government that contributed funding in 2022 to the establishment of the hub in Young, and another in Leeton.

“The funding allowed for a permanent base to be established at Young and Leeton a few years ago, which provided local employment and additional support. It’s been a fantastic ‘add-on’ to the range of support services that we have available in the region,” Ms Cooke said.More information is available at www.boystothebush.org.au

Photograph caption: Steph Cooke with Boys to the Bush team members Pete Butcher and Cassandra Tyack at the organisation’s Young hub.