Category Archives: Hilltops Council

Horse riding activities at the Young Showground can now be enjoyed all year-round following over $550,000 in works funded through the Stronger Country Communities Fund.  

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joined members of Young Pony Club recently as they showed off their horse-riding skills in the new undercover facilities.

“It is fantastic to see the new arena already in use, providing a safer environment for riders with varying degrees of experience, including our local Riding for the Disabled program,” Ms Cooke said.

“It allows all involved in equine activities, including many children, to train in confidence and build their skillset regardless of the weather.

“The new arena also adds to the comfort of volunteers, supporters and the animals involved in making these activities such a great success.”

Ms Cooke said further works are also planned at the site, including the completion of staged improvements to the stables.

“It is hoped this project will support user groups to attract new members and other equine activities and events to town, which in turn brings about a welcome economic boost for local businesses.”

The undercover training area and stables have been made possible through funding of $554,080 secured through two rounds of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Burrangong Picnic Race Club has been busy upgrading their facilities to incorporate changerooms for female jockeys.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the upgrades whichwill make a significant difference in attracting more participants in the sport to utilise the facilities.

“It is essential we have both male and female facilities for participants in horse racing,” Ms Cooke said.

“I was pleased to learn local trades have been used in the upgrades to the jockey rooms, keeping jobs in town and contributing to local economy.”

“This modernised facility will accommodate the members and visitors of Young Turf Club and Young Rodeo Club along with a number of schools for their cross-country events.”

Burrangong Picnic Race Club President Nick Duff said the funding the club received has helped them achieve new facilities for men and women to enjoy as the previous facilities were crowded, cluttered and lacked privacy.

“The space is more inviting and appealing for women to come and be involved with the club and race, along with attracting more visitors to come and witness the various events held at the racecourse,” Mr Duff said.

These improvements have been made possible thanks to an investment of $292,510 funded by the NSW Government through round four of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Members and guests of Harden Bowling Club are set to benefit following the completion of works funded through two NSW Government funding programs.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has joined Club President Shane McKellar and Richard Walsh to inspect improvements at the venue.

“It is fantastic to see what has been achieved for the benefit of members and visitors, including the refreshed bowling green surface which is sure to be appreciated by all who love the sport,” Ms Cooke said.

“The new greens are just the start, with the Club also installing new pathways, seating and shade sails, and an undercover barbecue area thanks to $80,000 in funding.

“This investment is about making the Club more user-friendly for local competitions, and other opportunities which will attract members and encourage greater visitation.”

Ms Cooke took the opportunity to thank Club Members Richard and Diana Walsh who made a significant in-kind contribution to the project.

“Securing the funding is one thing, but it makes all the difference to have great people working behind the scenes, helping with labour or fundraising, and caring for improvements to the facility long after the official opening.”

The Harden Bowling Club improvements were funded through $30,000 secured through the 2021 Community Building Partnership program and $50,000 in the fourth round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Five projects totalling over $165,000 across the electorate are among the latest batch of successful projects announced under the NSW Government’s Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery initiative.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the projects will help support recovery and boost resilience for young people in the region following the impacts of natural disasters and COVID-19.

“I’m thrilled to announce support for these projects that will help young people in our community bounce back stronger than ever in the wake of COVID-19 disruptions and natural disasters,” Ms Cooke said.

“These projects are a great example of how we can help young people recover, build resilience and improve wellbeing by providing them with the tools and resources they need to become the best version of themselves.”

The five projects for the electorate include:

• Temora Shire Council – The Resilience Project – total funding received $49,893.

• Drop in and Take Off Inc – Southern NSW Skate Park Competition – total funding received $17,920.

• Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW (PCYC) – Fit for Life PCYC, Young and Young High School – total funding received $14,191.

• Marathon Health Ltd – Bouncing Back with Headspace Cowra – total funding received $37,838.

• Young High School – The Resilience Project, connecting the community for brighter minds – total funding received $50,000.

Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the $10.3 million Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative offers large grants between $10,000 and $50,000 and small grants for up to $10,000.

“The large grants fund projects such as community events, peer support groups, cultural connection or partnership programs, while small grants are to enable initiatives like sporting programs and barbecues,” Mr Franklin said.

“Our Regional Youth Community Coordinators will help connect young people with the projects that best support their wellbeing and recovery and foster resilience and connection.”

The Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative is funded through the NSW COVID-19 Economic Recovery Initiative and the co-funded NSW and Australian Governments’ Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Patients at Young District Hospital are benefitting from the installation of a new cutting-edge CT scanner thanks to a $1 Million investment through the NSW Government. 

The installation of the new CT scanner is offering emergency and inpatient services for Young and surrounding hospitals. 

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke this week visited Young District Hospital to inspect the new CT scanner and speak with staff. 

“It was a pleasure to visit the Young District Hospital to not only see the new CT scanner in its permanent home, but to hear from our wonderful staff about the difference this cutting-edge new imaging equipment will have on patient diagnosis, care and outcomes,” Ms Cooke said.  

“Patients in Young and neighbouring areas will now be able to access lifesaving scans for cancer, stroke, heart and other medical conditions.” 

Minister for Regional Health Mrs Bronnie Taylor said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is focused on improving health services for people living in rural and regional NSW.  

“The NSW Government has committed a record $11.9 billion investment towards building and upgrading our State’s health infrastructure over the next four years, with nearly a third of that being spent in the regions on important health facilities like Young Hospital,” Mrs Taylor said. 

Other major projects across the Cootamundra electorate include: 

• $80 million Temora Hospital Redevelopment. 

• $110.2 million Cowra Hospital Redevelopment. 
• Six new, and three upgraded, ambulance stations delivered through the Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration (RAIR) program, including stations at Ardlethan, Coolamon, Cootamundra, Cowra, Grenfell, Harden, Temora, West Wyalong and Young. 

Young Golf Club are set to benefit from $8,000 in funding to install golf cart paths at the club thanks to the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grants Program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said a total of six projects have been funded across the electorate which will turbocharge participation in sport across all age groups and bring the community closer together.

“Golf is a game that everyone can play with no age barrier, it is important that we continue to support our local clubs like Young Golf Club to ensure our community stay active and healthy,” Ms Cooke said.

“Young Golf Club will see over 200 metres of concrete path constructed around the club to allow for cart access to the course regardless of its condition or the weather.”

“Golf carts can cause significant damage to the course and these pathways will provide golfers with access to the course and protect the grass from concentrated cart traffic.”

“Not only will these works improve the playing experience, they can also assist in significant ongoing cost savings in maintenance and repairs around the course.”

Young Services Club Operations Manager Mr Steve McIllhatton said due to abnormal weather events last winter two holes on the golf became unplayable and access to these areas was not achievable.

“By having these holes out of play puts strain on trying to run competition and social play which results in a loss of revenue for the club,” Mr McIllhatton said.

“The club shares its facilities with the community not only for golf but for various exercise, social events along with local schools also utilising the space for sports and functions like cross country running events.”

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.

Hilltops Council will soon receive funding of $5,008,505 through the NSW Government’s $280 million Regional and Local Roads Repair Program. 

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Hilltops Council has over 2700km 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 this funding secured, which builds on an initial cash injection of $943,321 for council to fix potholes announced in December. 

“I am advised council has been sent the funding deeds, and once the deed is executed the money goes into the bank.” 

Hilltops Council General Manager, Mr Anthony O’Reilly said council is grateful to receive this additional boost to help undertake essential repairs to their road network, which was significantly impacted by severe flooding, storm damage and persistent wet weather events during 2022.

“These works are essential for the safety of our motorists and the freight network which underpins the agricultural industry, the backbone of our economy,” Mr O’Reilly said.

The NSW Government continues to support local government areas in making our road network smoother and safer. Over the past five years, Hilltops Council has secured over $24.3 million in NSW Government funding to deliver 28 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. 

A joint-use community library facility located on the grounds of Young High School is nearing the final stages of construction.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she was excited to see the progress of works carried out by Joss Group, with the project expected to commence internal fit-out shortly.

“It is fantastic to see how far works have progressed since August, as this incredible new community facility really takes shape,” Ms Cooke said.

“This Library is going to benefit both the students at Young High School and the broader community, with access to library services in the one place.”

“Our public libraries play an important role in community life, fostering lifelong learning and can often be a central hub for the community to meet.”

The new facility will include learning spaces, video conferencing and multimedia facilities, dedicated children’s activity area, coffee bar and a Wiradjuri learning and cultural centre.

Preparation works are also taking place for the external landscaping at the front of new building, including the remaining footpath and landscaping to be finished on the side at Carrington Park.

The remaining works scheduled over the next four weeks include the installation of all the glazing, installation of the main staircase and commencement of the internal fit-out.

The project is a partnership between the NSW Government, Schools Infrastructure and Hilltops Council.

Koorawatha Progress Association has secured $441,360 for a new playground at Koorawatha Memorial Park through the latest round of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the project will bring the community together in a fun, welcoming and inclusive environment.

“It is fantastic to support the vision of the Koorawatha Progress Association with this exciting project, having heard about their plans for this location over a number of years,” Ms Cooke said.

“This playground will revitalise Koorawatha Memorial Park and allow younger members of the community, along with visitors to the area, to enjoy a modern facility which challenges, excites and promotes an active and healthy lifestyle.”

“I congratulate the Koorawatha Progress Association on their successful application because it takes a lot of time and hard work to them pull together.”

Koorawatha Progress Association Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs Jane Fisher said the provision of funding for this project demonstrates confidence in the future of their small community.

“Works will include a new children’s playground with pathways, seating and shade to provide a place where people of all ages and abilities can connect and be active in a safe and welcoming outdoor environment.”

“The playground will also be a big attraction for visitors, especially as Koorawatha is situated on the Olympic Way. We are absolutely thrilled,” Mrs Fisher said.

Over five rounds of the Stronger Country Communities Fund, more than $11.7 million in funding has been awarded to 45 projects across the Hilltops Local Government Area.

For more information about the Stronger Country Communities Fund, visit: nsw.gov.au/sccf

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is excited to announce Hilltops Council has been successful in their application for $1,044,850 to undertake works at Jugiong Memorial Pool, thanks to the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Five.

The improvements to Jugiong Memorial Pool will involve an upgrade to the existing medium size pool, kiosk, amenities and ancillary equipment.

“The engagement of local contractors and of materials from local suppliers together with hiring of staff to operate the centre will provide an important boost to the local economy,” Ms Cooke said.

“It will be great to see increased use of this facility from local swimming clubs, schools, sporting groups and visitors once these upgrades are completed.”

Cr Margaret Roles, Mayor of Hilltops Council said they are delighted to have been successful in this funding to perform these upgrades.

“These upgrades will mean that the pool’s future is secure and will continue to be used and enjoyed by the Hilltops community now and into the future.” Ms Roles said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said in the past five years the Stronger Country Communities Fund had delivered more than 2000 grassroots projects, benefitting every Local Government Area in regional NSW.

“This is just one of 530 projects that will make regional communities stronger and an even better place to call home,” Mr Toole said.

The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure in the regions.

For more information, visit: nsw.gov.au/sccf