Category Archives: Local projects

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.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging community groups to secure the region’s fair share of state government investment, and apply for funding under the latest round of the Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants Program.

“We want to make sure that we continue to see the same level of investment in our regional towns and villages, as we saw under the previous Coalition Government, so it’s important we put our hand up and let the NSW Labor Government know about the projects in need of support west of the Great Divide,” Ms Cooke said.

“The Clubgrants Category 3 Program, reinvests profits from gaming machines into community projects, and is crucial in supporting initiatives that contribute to the development and improvement of our communities.

“Infrastructure grants of between $50,000 up to $300,000 are available to not-for-profit community organisations and local councils, and are delivered across four categories: arts and culture, community infrastructure, sport and recreation, and disaster readiness.

“The funding can be used for halls, sports centres, playgrounds and swimming pools, capital equipment, evacuation centres, museums, art galleries, and cultural centres.

“These groups are the lifeblood of many communities, and I want these organisations to not just keep their doors open, but to grow and prosper.

“This kind of funding helps empower local organisations to undertake projects that matter most to our community members.

“Applications close on Monday the 18th of December 2023, so I certainly encourage groups that are thinking about applying, to start putting their application together as soon as possible.

“Any groups seeking assistance with their application are invited to contact my office for support,” she said.

For more information or to apply, visit:

www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/clubgrants-category-3-fund

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke says 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 met with Junee Mayor Bob Callow today to announce that $2,241,530 in additional road repair funding has been secured for the Junee Shire Council, under the Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund (RERRF), to undertake maintenance work on the 877 kilometres of local and regional roads within the LGA.

“It’s my job to shine a light on issues in our electorate, and one of my number one priorities is making sure we have adequate funding to help provide access to roads that are safe and convenient for our communities,” Ms Cooke said.

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

“As a result I am thrilled to announce that we have been able to secure more than $2.2 million in additional funding for much-needed repair and maintenance of our local roads in and around Junee, which is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and convenience of our community members,” she said.

Junee Shire Council Mayor Bob Callow said small road maintenance projects can drive big benefits in the bush.

“The funding will be dedicated to addressing a range of road issues, including pothole repairs, resurfacing, and general road safety improvements,” Mayor Callow said.

“I certainly encourage local residents and businesses to continue providing input on road conditions, and areas that require attention; this feedback helps us make informed decisions about allocating resources where they are needed most,” he said.

Photograph caption: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, with Junee Shire Council Mayor Bob Callow.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the announcement of a government program aimed at boosting female participation in sport, and is calling on local groups to put their hands up to secure the region’s share of the money that’s been made available.

The Level the Playing Field Program is open to providers of grassroots sports to fund new and upgraded facilities, and deliver fit-for-purpose amenities, like change rooms and lighting.

“Prior to the release of the State Budget I called on the government (Daily Telegraph OpEd 25/8 below) to do more to increase female participation in sport – particularly in rural and regional areas – so I’m pleased to see the government were listening and have recognised the importance of nurturing our local talent, particularly our younger community members,” Ms Cooke said.

“Grassroots infrastructure projects like these were previously supported through the Coalition’s Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF), which the NSW Labor Government has cancelled.

“Under SCCF round four for example, almost $50 million was invested in projects aimed at increasing female participation in sport specifically in rural and regional areas.

“Compare that with Labor’s program, which is worth $30 million and is to be distributed across the entire state, and it’s clear that we must do our utmost to ensure a decent share of the funding on offer, goes to rural and regional areas.

“There are a number of projects in our Cootamundra electorate that would certainly benefit from funding under the Level the Playing Field Program, and my message to those groups is to apply as soon as possible – I’m more than happy to help if you need any help or support.

“By investing in sports at the grassroots level, we are promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and social cohesion, all of which leads to building healthier more vibrant communities,” she said.

Applications close at 1pm Thursday 30 November, 2023. For more information about the Level the Playing Field Program, email cootamundra@parliament.nsw.gov.au or phone Steph’s office on (02) 6382 2399.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Narrandera Fisheries Centre has well and truly cemented its reputation as the nation’s leading facility of its kind, following a successful open day held over the weekend.

More than 1,200 visitors filed through the centre gates on Saturday to see for themselves the conservation and research work being undertaken at the centre.

“The fisheries centre open day was absolutely fantastic, and it was wonderful to see so many people come along and experience firsthand the amazing work that’s going on right here in our own backyard,” Ms Cooke said.

“I have been a huge supporter of the centre and its talented and dedicated team for many years; I’m proud to say I’ve helped secure vital funding for the centre, including $6 million for recent upgrades, which have included a new hatchery building fitted with state-of-the-art fish breeding technology.

“I was very pleased to see the recent NSW State Labor Budget retained the $646,000 set aside by the previous NSW Coalition Government, to complete the upgrade works,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the Narrandera Fisheries Centre has been at the forefront of its field since it first opened in 1962, and plays a key role in breeding and conservation, as well as research into native and introduced species.

“Fish play such a key role in indicating the health of our river systems so it’s vital that we learn as much as we can about their numbers and locations,” Ms Cooke said.

“The researchers here do some wonderful work which gives a clear indication of fish health in NSW, as well as collating information about introduced species and their effects on feeding and native fish health.

“Some of their work also revolves around fish which are locally extinct and on the verge of extinction – in the Murray-Darling Basin for example – so it’s easy to see how critical their research is,” she said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP says while she is relieved to see vital funding commitments for the Cootamundra electorate honoured in today’s NSW State Budget, there are spending cuts in other areas that are disappointing for residents in the regions.

Ms Cooke said that even though there is no new money allocated to the Cootamundra electorate in the NSW Budget, there are a number of projects that have survived Labor’s chopping block.

“After months and months of intense lobbying, I am very relieved that the NSW Labor Government has come to recognise the importance of maintaining the funding allocated by the previous Coalition Government to the Cowra Hospital, and Temora Hospital redevelopment projects,” Ms Cooke said.

“These projects represent a significant investment in the future prosperity of our regions; they are the culmination of years and years of hard work and planning, and I, along with the community, am breathing a sigh of relief that they will both go ahead as planned,” she said.

Ms Cooke said projects that retained much needed and well-deserved funding include:

•           $110.2 million for the new Cowra Hospital Redevelopment

•           $80 million for the new Temora Hospital Redevelopment

•           $90,000 to complete the Young Hospital CT Scanner project

•           $646,000 to complete the Narrandera Fisheries Upgrade

•           $7 million for Hilltops Council for emergency road repairs

•           $6.48 million for Bland Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $3.9 million for Narrandera Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $3.57 million for Coolamon Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $3.49 million for Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council for emergency road repairs

•           $3.4 million for Temora Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $3.25 million for Cowra Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $2.75 million for Weddin Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $2.24 million for Junee Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $6.89 million for improved social housing

“I have spent recent months advocating strongly for these projects, and I am certainly pleased that the government has listened, and most importantly has realised just how important they all are for the communities they will support,” Ms Cooke said.

“I am however disappointed that the NSW Labor Government has failed to understand just how crucial the project to raise the Wyangala Dam wall is to communities throughout the Central West. It appears they are standing by their decision to scrap what would have been a vital investment in drought preparedness and flood mitigation, however the community can be assured I will continue to do what I can to ensure this project isn’t forgotten.

“I’m also disappointed to see the government reduce funding for the equally important Safe and Secure Water Program. On a day when the Bureau of Meteorology formally declared an El Niño weather event – increasing the chances of a hot and dry summer – we need to invest now more than ever in water security projects, that will guarantee the safe and secure supply of water to towns, villages, farmers, and the environment throughout the regions.

“Alarmingly it appears the State Budget is silent on the funding needed for the demerger of the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council. This is most concerning, and I will be writing to the Local Government Minister for urgent clarification on this.

“The delay in duplicating the Great Western Highway on the western side of the Blue Mountains is very disappointing, given it’s the main artery connecting our residents and businesses with greater Sydney, and I will continue to seek further clarification from the government regarding their commitment to maintaining transport infrastructure across the nine local government areas in our Cootamundra electorate.

“The gutting of the Stronger Country Communities Fund is a significant blow to regional areas. Since 2017, the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF) has provided $660 million for more than 2,530 regional projects, so its removal will leave a gaping hole in investment in our regions,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the slashing of the Regional Seniors Travel Card, along with the abolition of the Regional Student Travel Card will have a significant impact on the budgets of those who have come to rely on them, particularly in light of the cost-of-living pressures many are facing.

“Families too will be impacted by the NSW Labor Government’s decision to scale back the Active Kids Rebate, the First Lap Voucher, and the Creative Kids Rebate – all programs introduced by the Coalition Government to support families at a time when they need it most,” Ms Cooke said.

“Today’s State Budget was a chance for the NSW Labor Government to show a genuine interest in the future growth and prosperity of our regional communities, and while I am very relieved to say we’ve managed to hold on to funding for a number of vital projects, I am disappointed in the cuts that have been made in other areas.

“However, residents across our Cootamundra electorate can be assured I will continue to make a lot of noise on their behalf, to ensure the voice of rural and regional communities are always heard, and that we get our fair share of funding for projects and programs that make a tangible difference to the every day lives of people in our communities,” she said.

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke was on hand in Coolamon today to help officially open the new Business Park in the town.

“The Business Park has been built to help turbo-charge opportunities for business and employment in Coolamon, which is obviously great news for the town and its surrounding areas,” Ms Cooke said.

“Already, we’ve seen great outcomes for local businesses, with 50 regionally based contractors involved in the construction process.

“And given the high level of interest already from businesses in the park, the project looks set to deliver on its intended purpose,” she said.

The project received a boost of $1.97 million under the Drought Stimulus Package introduced by the previous Coalition Government in the wake of the most recent and devastating drought.

“That package was designed to off-set the flow-on effects that drought can have on regional businesses and communities,” Ms Cooke said.

“And as we once again face the prospect of yet another dry time, these kinds of mitigation measures that protect against the ripple effects dry spells can have, will really come to the fore.

“When it comes to our regional communities in general, and particularly in relation to drought, it’s all about keeping businesses open and jobs in town.

“Strong employment obviously then feeds into other areas like schools, housing, medical services, emergency services, and the like, so projects like the Coolamon Business Park ensure our local communities can thrive well into the future,” she said.

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke joined with proud local residents in Ganmain on Sunday, to officially open the revamped Ganmain multi-purpose sports facility.

“I had so much fun in Ganmain cheering from the sidelines as the Ganmain Grong Grong Matong (GGGM) Football Netball Club sides, played host to arch-rivals the Coolamon Rovers Football Netball Club,” Ms Cooke said.

“Cutting the ribbon to officially open the renovated netball and tennis courts at the Ganmain Sports Ground was a very special moment for me, and I was honoured to be asked along, to help launch what is sure to be the start of an exciting new era for sport in the area.

“Many volunteer hours went in to making the project a reality, and I congratulate everyone involved in helping create what is now a wonderful asset for current and future generations to enjoy,” she said.

Various groups provided funding for the project including Advance Ganmain, the Ganmain Show Society, GGGM Senior & Junior Football Netball Clubs, Ganmain Tennis Club, Coolamon Shire Council, and GrainCorp.

“It was a huge team effort, and you know what they say: teamwork makes the dream work,” Ms Cooke said.

“I’m proud to say the previous Liberal/Nationals State Government also played a part, contributing $193,883 towards the upgrade, under round four of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

“Every day we’re reminded of the success of this program, and how it has made a really meaningful difference to the lives of people living in communities all across our Cootamundra electorate,” she said.

The Young Library & Cultural Precinct has been officially opened earlier this month as part of a community open day to welcome completion of the state-of-the-art facility.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the building is an exciting asset for the region, with the new building better reflecting the various uses of a modern library.

“This new facility is bright, engaging and very well-equipped for the many ways in which our community will seek to use it into the future,” Ms Cooke said.

“We know public libraries are much more than a home for our book collection – they are a meeting space, a hub for school holiday activities, mother’s groups and cultural events.

“To have this facility in our own backyard will help to inspire a lifelong love of books, and also encourage more involvement in everything our public library has to offer.”

Some of the stand-out features at the new facility include:

• dedicated learning spaces,
• children’s activity areas,
• reading and study areas,
• video conferencing systems,
• multimedia stations, audio and visual assisted technology,
• arts spaces, including a pottery workshop and kiln, and a
• Wiradjuri Learning and Cultural Centre.

Ms Cooke said the project is the result of a successful partnership between the NSW Government, Schools Infrastructure and Hilltops Council.

“I am very pleased that students and staff of Young High School have also benefitted from the project, with enhancements to the campus an innovative way to have added even more social value to the project.

“With the building now complete and operational, it is my hope that the vision of this wonderful facility, and it’s potential for future generations, can be fully appreciated.”

Image: The Hon. Steph Cooke MP with The Hon. Stephen Lawrence MLC, Hilltops Council Mayor Cr Margaret Roles and Students from Young High School at Community Open Day of The Young Library and Cultural Precinct.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the official start of a trial of new technology to boost safety at the level crossing on the Mary Gilmore Way at Bribbaree.

“I am very pleased to have this trial underway in our electorate, as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety at railway level crossings in regional areas,” Ms Cooke said.

“It is one of two locations in regional New South Wales to trial the new signage and LED flashing lights – aimed at reducing the risk of collisions between trains and vehicles.

“It is my hope that the data collated at Bribbaree will lead to a broader roll out of the technology to passive level crossings in other parts of the electorate.

“We have seen how the roll out of flashing lights at school zones for example has helped to boost driver safety and awareness, and this trial is an important step in response to calls for a boost to level crossing safety.”

Ms Cooke was joined for the switch-on by Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, the Hon Jenny Aitchison and safety campaigner Maddie Bott, together with representatives of the Bribbaree community.

The trial is a commitment of the former NSW Coalition Government, following the community led petition presented by Ms Cooke to NSW Parliament in November 2021.

In addition to the trial, speed limits have also been reduced on the approach to several actively controlled level crossings in the region.

The trial is funded through the Digital Restart Fund, with Transport for NSW to collate the data over 24 months to determine the effectiveness of the technology.

For more information about the Level Crossing Safety petition please visit : Legislative Assembly Hansard – 11 November 2021 (nsw.gov.au)