Steph Cooke | 15 Mar 2023 | Community Coolamon Shire
Marrar Football and Netball Club are set to benefit from $10,000 in funding thanks to the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grants Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said with the installation of the solar panels on the changerooms building, will allow Langtry Oval to operate more efficiently and encourage greater participation from members of the community.
“With energy bills often one of the biggest overheads for sporting groups and volunteer organisations, this funding will be a welcome boost,” Ms Cooke said.
“The oval is not only utilised by the Marrar Football and Netball Club, this space also acts as a Neighbourhood Safer Place in the event of an emergency.”
“It is so important we continue supporting these types of projects that not only benefit our local sporting clubs, they also support the whole community.”
Marrar Football and Netball Club Treasurer Cathie Fox said they were delighted that their application was approved.
“The installation of solar to Langtry Oval will be very beneficial to reducing our ever-increasing power costs,” Ms Fox said.
This project is just one of six awarded across the Cootamundra electorate under the 2022/23 Local Sports program which has seen a total of $50,000 awarded to the region.
Grants of between $2,000 and $10,000 per project were available with up to $50,000 available in each electorate.
More information about the program is available online.
Steph Cooke | 28 Feb 2023 | Coolamon Shire Roads and Transport
Marrar North Road in Murrulebale is set for an overhaul with funding of $454,718 secured by Coolamon Shire Council through the latest round of the NSW Nationals’ $500 million Fixing Local Roads program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the project is one of eight successful projects in the electorate, allowing Council to undertake crucial rehabilitation and maintenance works.
“Road users have made regular contact with me about the condition of our road network, so I am very pleased to have secured this funding to support much-needed repairs,” Ms Cooke said.
“These works will help to make the school bus run, the commute to and from work safer for locals who rely on this road every day.”
The $500 million NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program supports councils to improve routes that regional communities use every day, making journeys for locals, farmers, and freight safer, more efficient, and more reliable.
Coolamon Shire Council Mayor Cr David McCann said this funding is greatly appreciated and will support improvements in the road network to cater for heavy vehicle efficiencies across various transport routes.
“The Marrar North Road is an important link in our freight network that help move the grain and produce to markets,” Cr McCann said.
Steph Cooke | 09 Feb 2023 | Coolamon Shire Roads and Transport
Coolamon Shire Council will soon receive funding of $2,552,095 through the NSW Government’s $280 million Regional and Local Roads Repair Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said Coolamon Shire has over 1400km of roads to manage, with this latest funding a welcome boost allowing further repairs to be undertaken.
“This investment is all about improving the roads we use every day, making them safer for the freight industry, tourists, and the commute to and from work or school,” Ms Cooke said.
“It is fantastic to have secure this funding, which builds on an initial cash injection of $480,671 for council to fix potholes announced in December.
“I am advised council has been sent the funding deeds, and once this deed is executed the money will go into the bank.”
Coolamon Shire Council General Manager, Mr Tony Donoghue said this funding means works can be carried out sooner, getting the roads back to being safe and functional for the community quickly.
“We understand and appreciate the patience that our community and road users have allowed us over these recent trying weather conditions and the subsequent impact that has had on our road network.” Mr Donoghue said.
The NSW Government continues to support local government areas in making our road network smoother and safer.
Over the past five years, Coolamon Shire Council has secured over $3.2 million in NSW Government funding to deliver 14 road projects through Fixing Local Roads and Fixing Country Roads, on top of assistance through Regional Roads Block Grant program and NSW Disaster Assistance Arrangements.
Steph Cooke | 30 Jan 2023 | Bland Shire Coolamon Shire News Weddin Shire
Motorists will soon have more real-time traffic information data at their fingertips with the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government adding more local roads to Live Traffic NSW.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said we currently have three Councils in the electorate being trained to use the real-time road information platform to deliver more accurate information to motorists.
These Councils include:
Bland Shire Council
Cowra Shire Council
Weddin Shire Council
“We have fast-tracked the onboarding of councils who have been severely impacted by the recent flooding events, which is a major win for those travelling in and out of flood-impacted areas in NSW,” Ms Cooke said.
“This means Councils will be able to upload road closure and incident information to Live Traffic NSW in real time from 23 January 2023, which feeds data into third party apps like Google Maps, Waze and Tom Tom.
“In October, we added the first 22 councils to the platform and a further three in December. These councils have since communicated almost 5,500 road incident updates.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway also revealed emergency broadcast signs are being installed across the state.
“Within weeks we will have installed all 99 signs that will display local ABC radio frequencies so people in our regions know where to turn for emergency information during a natural disaster,” Mr Farraway said.
“This was a recommendation from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry, as was the inclusion of local roads on Live Traffic NSW and we’re getting on with the job of ensuring our communities are safe in times of emergencies.”
The ABC’s Head of Regional, Rural & Emergency Hugh Martin said the signs could serve as a vital reminder for locals and visitors to regional areas.
“By reminding communities where they can turn to for reliable, up-to-date and often life-saving information in times of emergency means those communities are better protected in the future,” Mr Martin said.
“The ABC works closely with all emergency and state services and is the most trusted source of information during an emergency. This roadside information campaign is a timely reminder on where people can go to find the most reliable coverage that will keep them safe.”
Steph Cooke | 27 Jan 2023 | Community Coolamon Shire News
The Coolamon Business Park project, announced in 2019 with $1.97 million funding from the NSW Government’s Drought Stimulus package, is nearing completion.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke recently visited the worksite for an update on the project from Coolamon Shire Council.
“I am very pleased works are on track as part of a project which will greatly enhance opportunities for business and employment locally,” Ms Cooke said.
“This business park is set to become a real hub of activity, with growing demand for suitable locations for light industrial businesses to not only establish their operations but also to grow, which is positive news for local employment opportunities.
“Already we have seen great outcomes from the project, with 50 regionally based contractors engaged as part of the construction process.”
Coolamon Shire Council General Manager Tony Donoghue said Council is excited that the business park is nearing completion and will be available for new businesses to commence soon.
“As we know employment brings people and with that, the families that add to our housing, schools, population and that then allows further business opportunities,” Mr Donoghue said.
“We think there are great business opportunities in our growing community.”
The Coolamon Business Park is located in the centre of Coolamon, adjacent to Wade Street and the Griffith to Junee rail line.
The project has involved a transformation of seven hectares of undeveloped land into 22 industrial lots, with 14 of these already earmarked for purchase.
Works completed at the site include:
Flood studies including a detailed design
Vegetation clearing and site levelling
Detention basin extension
Stormwater piped drainage, sewer rising main and reticulation
Services of electricity, gas, communications and water
Kerb and guttering
Installation of concrete pathways
Works are still in progress to complete concrete driveways, installation of irrigation, landscaping, fencing and fit-out of sewer and stormwater pump station, with the construction due for completion in the coming months.
The Drought Stimulus Package has funded shovel ready infrastructure projects and emergency water security projects, putting cash into the economies of the state’s hardest hit drought areas as well as towns doing it tough.
Steph Cooke | 19 Jan 2023 | Community Coolamon Shire Local projects News
Renovations to change rooms at Langtry Oval will be completed thanks to $119,656 in funding to Marrar Football and Netball Club through Round Five of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Funding.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this investment not only supports the Marrar Football and Netball Club members and participants, but also benefits visitors to the oval and the local community.
“I look forward to seeing clubs and the broader community enjoying these fantastic upgraded facilities soon,” Ms Cooke said.
“Community sport plays such an important role in bringing people together, whilst also encouraging us all to be active and healthy.”
Marrar Football Netball Club Treasurer and Secretary Cathie Fox said they are very grateful for this much-needed funding.
“The upgrades will allow for the changerooms to be rendered which will improve the overall appearance along with the overall investment of our local community infrastructure.”
“Sporting clubs play an important role in building health routines, providing them with the financial support to replace and upgrade facilities allows them to grow their sport and best meet the needs of the local community,” Ms Cooke said.
Since 2017, the Stronger Country Communities Fund has invested over $5.1 million for 28 projects across Coolamon Shire as part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund.
Steph Cooke | 19 Jan 2023 | Community Coolamon Shire Grants Local projects News
Marrar Campdraft Arena will undergo a makeover thanks to $107,325 in funding from Round Five of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Funding.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the resurfacing works to be carried out at Marrar campdraft arena.
“This project is vital towards ensuring the longevity of the arena and will greatly improve the safety for users and site competitors along with providing the committee the confidence to plan and run campdraft and rodeo events,” Ms Cooke said.
“These events provide a huge influx of visitors to our seat of small communities, bringing with it a positive impact in many aspects including financial and building a stronger community as we work together in creating a community event that the whole family can enjoy.
“These improvements are essential to the participation and expansion of the much-loved and growing sport.”
Marrar Campdraft Association President Mr Brendan Halden said receiving such a grant gives the committee the security to plan and run events with confidence.
“A resurface of the arena makes me very excited for the future of our Marrar Madness Rodeo and Campdraft and the future of our sport as a whole,” Mr Halden said.
“It is incredible to think we can run world-class events from our small community of Marrar. Both campdrafting and rodeos are growing sports and the resurface of the arena will allow Marrar to facilitate the growth and really put Marrar on the map.”
“We are beyond grateful to everyone involved in making the resurface happen, it’s a real game changer for our sports and our community.”
Steph Cooke | 18 Jan 2023 | Community Coolamon Shire Grants Local projects News
The facilities at Kindra Park in Coolamon are set for transformation thanks to a successful application of $160,000 made by the Coolamon Rovers Football Netball Club through Round Five of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Funding.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this investment not only supports the future of the Coolamon Rovers Football Netball Club, but also benefits visitors to the Park and the local community.
“Participants, spectators and visitors will all appreciate the construction of a new toilet and change room facility including a disabled toilet, as everyone deserves great facilities,” Ms Cooke said.
“Local clubs such as Coolamon Rovers, Coolamon Junior and Senior Cricket and the Coolamon Touch Association all utilise the facilities at Kindra Park for the playing season and these upgrades allow for all to reap the benefits of these improvements.”
Mr Scott Glyde, Secretary of the Coolamon Rovers Football Netball Club said that Kindra Park currently has no designated disabled access toilets so it’s great to see this project was awarded funding.
“Various sporting clubs member and supporters of Coolamon Rovers Football Netball Club, Coolamon Touch Football Association, Coolamon Senior Cricket and Coolamon Junior Cricket along with students and teachers of Coolamon Central School and St Michael’s Primary School will all benefit from the sporting precinct upgrades,” Mr Glyde said.
“Sporting clubs are the heartbeat of our rural and regional communities, allowing them to replace and upgrade facilities allows them to grow their sport and best meet the needs of the local community,” Ms Cooke said.
“We want to encourage people to be active and healthy and engaged with their community, this is why the NSW Government continues to support community sports infrastructure.”
Steph Cooke | 18 Jan 2023 | Community Coolamon Shire Grants Local projects News
Coolamon Shire Council has received over $900,000 for two major projects through the fifth round of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed investment of $563,819 to establish Coolamon Showground as a hub for harness racing training, as well as $350,000 for new synthetic bowling greens at Ganmain Sports Club.
“The project at Coolamon Showground will involve works to establish the grounds as a world-class harness racing training facility, attracting members of the industry from right across the state,” Ms Cooke said.
“It is fantastic the project will involve construction of a new multi-purpose building to be available for community use including auctions, weddings and other events.”
Ms Cooke said the project is a collaboration between Coolamon Shire Council, Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) and other bodies including the MTC and Charles Sturt University.
Coolamon Shire Council Mayor Cr David McCann said the funding will boost the economy by bringing another important industry to Coolamon, while providing a much-needed adaptive space for the community.
“Coolamon is ideally located to host a Harness Racing Training Facility in southern NSW, and when complete it will complement the major Harness Racing track in Wagga Wagga,” Cr McCann said.
Cr McCann said the Ganmain Sports Club project is equally important for the community, following the amalgamation of Ganmain Bowling Club and Ganmain Sports Club.
“This upgrade will provide a space for people to get active and stay fit and provide a local outlet for this very popular sport.”
“This much-needed project will be a huge benefit to the Ganmain community and will allow the Sports Club to provide greater facilities to its members and the wider community.”
Since 2017, the Stronger Country Communities Fund has invested over $5.1 million for 28 projects across Coolamon Shire as part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund.
Steph Cooke | 21 Dec 2022 | Coolamon Shire Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Cowra Shire Narrandera Shire Temora Shire
Funding of over $867,000 has been secured to improve and upgrade Crown Land reserves and facilities across the Cootamundra electorate under the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the funding, which will provide benefits to the community, boost the local economy and contribute to the cultural, sporting and recreational life of the region.
“Crown reserves provide land for sport and recreation, homes for community organisations, open space for healthy lifestyles, and protect our environment including sensitive habitat for native plants and animals,” Ms Cooke said.
“It’s fantastic that funding has been allocated to support local reserves and community facilities right across the Cootamundra electorate.”
Projects being funded include:
$625,068 for Cowra Showground, Racecourse and Paceway to upgrade its ageing electrical system and build a large all-weather undercover area for horse riders which includes Riding for the Disabled.
$16,731 for Bellevue Hill reserve in Cowra to restore habitat by removing weeds, shrubs and trees and replace them with native trees and grasses.
$173,985 for Lake Talbot Reserve in Narrandera to upgrade the barbecue shelter, seats, stairs and walking trails, and make it more accessible.
$18,105 for Coolac Public Hall to build an amenities block with separate men’s and women’s toilets and a toilet accessible for people with wheelchairs.
$18,097 for Ganmain Showground to replace benchtops in the main pavilion and lay concrete under the awning of the new Lifestyle Pavilion.
$8,847 for Sebastapol Travelling Stock Reserve for a new fence and signs to stop the public entering due to danger from old mine shafts.
$6,750 for Bectric Hall and Recreation Reserve to paint and provide maintenance upgrades to the amenities and exterior roof of the hall .
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said Crown land covers about 34 million hectares or 42 per cent of NSW, with over 34,000 reserves across the state.
“Crown reserves provide communities with land for everything from showgrounds, racecourses, surf lifesaving clubs and community halls to parks, ovals, green space and walking trails,” Mr Anderson said.
“The Cootamundra grants are part of $16.48 million being offered statewide to support 264 projects that will benefit many thousands of people and the cultural, sporting and recreational life of hundreds of local communities.” For further information on Crown Reserves Improvement Fund please visit: https://reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au/funding/crif
