Bland Shire Council has secured $894,780 in funding to deliver five projects through Round Five of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced the funding which will enhance local attractions as well as boost engagement with local youth.
“I know that Bland Shire Council is investing in their local communities here, and the funding from the NSW Government will provide a helpful boost to these projects,” Ms Cooke said
“I am thrilled that these successful projects cover a vast range of areas such as youth, encouraging tourism, improving local infrastructure for locals and visitors to the region.”
“All of which allow for further stimulation of the local economy including employment opportunities.”
The successful projects awarded to Bland Shire Council include:
- Bland Shire Youth Space Coordinator and Programming – $152,192, which will establish a dedicated youth space in West Wyalong. The funding will provide for a Youth Space Coordinator to support social and educational opportunities, youth events and activities, and access to youth outreach services.
- Bland Shire Town Signage Project – $307,317, will enable Council to undertake the design, construction and installation of new, modern and engaging entry statements (signage) at key tourist entry points to the Shire as well as to each of the villages. This signage will help to promote the shire and our historic communities.
- Active Movement Upgrades – $162,888, will see the renewal of existing pathways in Herridge Park, Wyalong and McCann Park, West Wyalong will significantly improve accessibility and enhance the user experience for locals and visitors.
- Bland Shire Heritage Revitalisation – $104,713, will enable protecting the historic fabric of two heritage buildings in Wyalong by replacing the ageing roof, guttering and downpipes and renewing the floor coverings in the Wyalong School of Arts building as well as extending the life of the timber floor by sanding and recoat the floorboards in the Wyalong Hall will meet an identified need while helping to preserve a valuable community asset.
- Restoration of Douglas DC3 Dakota Aeroplane Display – $167,670, a well-known landmark feature at the entrance to West Wyalong will be improved with the engagement of experts to undertake the treatment of rust, repainting and the application of historic markings that will reflect the plane’s heritage.
Bland Shire Mayor Brian Monaghan said the funding will assist Council across many areas of its work, celebrating our youth, protecting the future of key buildings, improving our active movement networks and ensuring travellers know they are entering the shire and towns, with hearts of gold.
“The famous DC3 Dakota at Lions Park will be restored to its former glory and provide a point of interest for travellers, as they come into West Wyalong,” Cr Monaghan said.
“Council recognises the need to invest in its communities and renew its existing infrastructure for future generations.”
The Stronger Country Communities Fund has been delivering for local communities, with more than $3.9 million for 21 projects in the Bland Shire since Round 1 of the program.
