Fixing Local Roads in Narrandera

Old Wagga Road at Narrandera is set for an overhaul with funding of $815,539 secured by Narrandera 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.

Narrandera Shire Council General Manager Mr George Cowan is delighted with the allocation of funds under the Fixing Local Roads Program.

“These funds will allow Council to reconstruct a section of Old Wagga Road that has become dangerous, it is deformed and narrowed at the edges,” Mr Cowan said.

Further information can be found at https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/roads-and-waterways/business-and-industry/partners-and-suppliers/local-government-17

Funding to Repair Roads in Narrandera Shire

Narrandera Shire Council will soon receive funding of $2,836,998 through the NSW Government’s $280 million Regional and Local Roads Repair Program. 

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said Narrandera Shire has over 1500km 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 $534,331 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.” 

Narrandera Shire General Manager Mr George Cowan said council is grateful for the support from the State Government given the amount of work required across the network.  

“The current state of our road networks is at the forefront of everyone’s mind and this funding will certainly help ease some of this pressure,” Mr Cowan said. 

The NSW Government continues to support local government areas in making our road network smoother and safer. Over the past five years, Narrandera Shire Council has secured over $5.7 million in NSW Government funding to deliver 10 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. 

Summer Holiday Fun Coming to the Region

Young people in the region will be able to enjoy a vast range of activities during the upcoming summer school holidays, thanks to the NSW Government’s $10 million Holiday Break Program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke welcomed the latest suite of activities and said they offer great opportunities for young people to stay connected, have fun and maybe even discover a new interest.

“Across the electorate, events and workshops will be delivered to help the youth in our region access social and recreational activities within their local communities while on their summer holiday break,” Ms Cooke said.

“These activities are a wonderful way to ensure we break down barriers for our regional youth, making it easier for them to socialise and have some fun during the summer break.”

Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said young people can expand their horizons over the break with more than 60 programs covering everything from science and art to sport and cultural connections.

“The NSW Government invests in this program because we know it is important to provide opportunities for young people to connect, socialise and have fun during the school holidays,” Mr Franklin said.

“We also know that keeping the kids entertained over the holidays can be costly for families, so these free activities will help to relieve the financial pressure on family budgets these Summer holidays.

“The programs on offer will provide social and recreational outlets to help regional youth become more involved in their local communities, and to show that living in a regional location is not a barrier for young people to try new things.

“Our continued program partnerships mean we’re able to deliver an assortment of activities that allow youth to hone their artistic skills, explore a completely new area of interest or get moving with a fun physical activity over the school holidays.”

A list of events across the electorate includes:

Cootamundra Youth Council

31/12/2022    7:30pm – 12:30am

New Years Eve Movie night for ages 12-17 – The Arts Centre Cootamundra.

16/01/2023    9am – 3pm

Family Fun Sports Day – Cootamundra Sports Stadium.

20/01/2023    10:30am – 12:30pm

Skate, Scot & Grip tape workshop – Cootamundra Skate Park.

Gundagai Neighbourhood Centre

13/01/2023    3pm – 4:30pm           

Teen boot camp-fun and fitness in the sun – Carberry Park (opposite Council Chambers Gundagai).

20/02/2023    2pm – 3:30pm

Skateboard and scooter lessons and grip tap art workshop – Gundagai Skate Park.

13/01/2023    6pm – 9pm

Open Night at the Gundagai Pool – Swimming, games and giveaways – Gundagai. Memorial Pool.

Hilltops Youth Action Group

29/01/2023   

Back 2 Skool Pool Party featuring the World’s oldest Rocking DJ’s & Nursing home escapee’s the Rockafellas.

Temora Shire Council

05/01/2023    9am -10:30am

Cooking Class with Local Caterer – Platform Y.

06/01/2023    9:45am – 3pm

Trip to Wagga with lasertag and Shopping time – Platform Y.

09/01/2023    9:30am – 10:15am

Yoga Class for ages 12-24 – Platform Y.

09/01/2023    11am – 2:30pm

Mixed Media Art Workshop – Platform Y.

12/01/2023    10am – 11:30am

Gaming Day – including VR headsets – Platform Y.

Narrandera Shire Council

04/01/2023 – 03/02/2023    10am -9pm

The Summer Sessions will include two Paint with mates sessions, a cultural tour and an afternoon of music followed by a movie night – Lake Talbot Water Park.

Weddin Shire Council

21/01/2023    10am – 7pm

Beach themed pool party. Laser Tag, Water inflatables, Craft activities and beach themed catering. To find out more about activities near you and for program guidelines, visit nsw.gov.au/ holidaybreak

Region Sees a Boost in Police Numbers

Five new probationary constables from ‘Class 356’ will commence duties across the region following their Police Academy attestation and formal ceremony held at the Goulburn Police Academy on Friday, 9 December. 

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has congratulated the new recruits as they embark on their policing careers from Junee, Cootamundra, Narrandera and Young Police stations.

“I welcome all our newest police officers to the region and wish them every success in such an honourable role,” Ms Cooke said.

“Being sworn in as a police officer is a great honour and I commend these recruits for their commitment to their communities.”

“These new officers will play major roles in keeping our communities safe and it is great to see more and more officers gaining experience in our rural areas”

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole joined NSW Police Commissioner, Karen Webb APM, to welcome the enthusiastic new recruits, who come from diverse backgrounds and professional experience.

“I am proud to welcome the 151 new recruits into the NSW Police Force, who have taken up the incredibly challenging but rewarding responsibility of serving and protecting the people of NSW,” Minister Toole said.

“These probationary constables are among 1,046 recruits to NSW Police this year, helping strengthen the ranks of our modern and world-class Police Force.”

“The NSW Government recognises the role of a police officer is like no other, which is why we’re rolling out landmark reforms to help recruit, retain and take better care of every member of the Force throughout their career, whether they’re probationary constables or those with decades of experience.” The recruits of Class 356 including 116 men and 35 women have completed eight months of foundational training before putting their feet on the beat.

Crown Reserves Secure Funding Across the Electorate

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

Narrandera Supported by Community Building Partnership Program

Funding totalling more than $30,000 has been secured for two community groups in Narrandera through the NSW Government’s 2022 Community Building Partnership Program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the State Government funds will deliver much-needed improvements and equipment to local facilities.

“I congratulate the organisations that were successful in their application and look forward to seeing these projects make a real difference for community groups in the area,” Ms Cooke said.

“We know how important is to support our non-for-profit groups so that they can continue to do what they enjoy, which is supporting the local community.”

The community groups receiving funding are:

  • Narrandera Pony Club
  • Kurrajong Waratah Narrandera

Narrandera Pony Club has been successful in receiving $12,000 to install new show jumps consisting of jump wings, poles and cups.

Kurrajong Waratah Narrandera has been successful in receiving $18,859 to purchase a new 23kg washing machine.

The Community Building Partnership program has funded more than 18,000 community projects since it commenced in 2009.

For more information about the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program, visit www.nsw.gov.au/cpb.

Supporting Narrandera Shire to fix Potholes

Narrandera Shire Council will soon start receiving funds totalling $534,331.32 for urgent pothole repairs, under the NSW Government’s $50 million Fixing Local Roads Pothole Repair Round.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke announced the funding during a visit to Narrandera, with the money going straight into Council’s bank account to help them cover the extra costs and workload pressures following this year’s unprecedented rain and storms.

“These grants are a rapid injection of cash to help councils get on with the job of repairing potholes to get us through the wet summer ahead,” Ms Cooke said.

“This is on top of the ongoing investment in a stronger road network through Fixing Local Roads, Fixing Country Roads and Fixing Country Bridges.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said all 94 regional councils that applied for funding had been approved for grants.

“From December, councils across regional NSW will receive their share of $50 million to repair pothole-ravaged local and regional roads,” Mr Farraway said.

“This additional support will help councils to repair their most damaged roads, improving safety and reducing wear and tear on vehicles.”

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is backing our councils with this dedicated pothole repair funding which is the first of its kind in NSW.”

Narrandera Shire Mayor, Cr Neville Kschenka, whose area has been hit by floods and severe weather several times this year welcomed the extra money announced under the Fixing Local Roads Pothole Repair Round.

“We have nearly 1600 kilometres of local and regional roads to manage across Narrandera Shire. Every dollar counts towards ensuring they are repaired as quickly as possible,” Cr Kschenka said.

“It is our top priority to patch potholes on these roads our community rely on, to improve safety and reduce wear and tear on vehicles. There is a lot of work to be done after the flooding we’ve experienced, but these funds go some way to helping.”

CRC Plaza Theatre in Narrandera to Receive Upgrades

Narrandera CRC Incorporated has been successful in receiving funding of $141,589 to deliver upgrades to the CRC Plaza Theatre thanks to the NSW Government’s Creative Capital program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke announced this funding during a visit to the theatre, encouraging the community to continue enjoying this beloved venue.

“This funding will help to deliver state-of-the-art improvements and ensure local audiences and visitors enjoy high-quality cultural experiences. I am delighted the NSW Government has made this possible at the CRC Plaza Theatre,” Ms Cooke said.

“This project will provide significant improvements to front-of-house sound, speakers, the mixing desk and theatre lighting upgrades, while also making improvements to energy efficiency and stage acoustics.”

Narrandera CRC Senior Pastor, Mr Trevor Murphy said this will improve the atmosphere in the already beautiful 500-seat CRC Plaza theatre, which is a much-loved part of the Narrandera community.

“The most grateful of all will be the sound and lighting volunteers, who over many years have done a fantastic job with very modest equipment. This grant will enable them to easily utilise their expertise, train and develop others and significantly enhance the production quality of the events and organisations they serve, which I know will be a great encouragement to them,” Mr Murphy said.

This is just one of three projects across the electorate sharing in a total of $11.7 million in funding under the second round of Minor Works and Equipment Projects.

Minister Franklin said this Creative Capital funding will pay dividends for the community of Narrandera by delivering a much-needed facility upgrade.

“This investment in cultural infrastructure is recognition of the valuable role arts and culture plays in the community,” Mr Franklin said.

“The NSW Government’s $72 million Creative Capital program aims to boost equity and access to arts and culture facilities for the people of NSW. With 165 projects across the state, more people will have access to top-class arts and cultural experiences.”

“It’s projects like this that will see the many museums, galleries, performance spaces and Aboriginal Cultural Centres and Keeping Places across NSW be venues their communities can continue to be proud of,” Mr Franklin said.

Further details on the Creative Capital program are available on the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au.

Funding to Improve Aboriginal Health Servies in Narrandera

Local Aboriginal communities will have access to improved and upgraded health services with Murrumbidgee Local Health District receiving $63,000 for a Cultural Sorry Business Area at the Narrandera Health Service as part of the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Health Minor Capital Works Program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke announced this funding during a visit to  Narrandera Hospital, stating that this area will meet the needs of the Aboriginal communities from the Wiradjuri Nation with culturally appropriate care.

“The NSW Government is focused on improving access to culturally safe services, and these programs will go such a long way in ensuring the delivery of effective primary health care services to Aboriginal communities,” Ms Cooke said.

“This project includes signage, furniture, art, discrete screenings, and the ability to conduct smoking ceremonies, which will enable the period of cultural practices that take place after someone’s death to be performed.”

Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor said 30 of the infrastructure projects will be in regional NSW ensuring communities across the state benefit from this program.

“This program is another example of the NSW Government’s commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people across rural and regional NSW,” Mrs Taylor said.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin said this funding will provide Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services with the funding they need to better support their local communities with optimal services and infrastructure.

“This important funding will deliver safe and effective primary health care services to Aboriginal communities across the State which are delivered by Aboriginal people, services and specialists,” Mr Franklin said.

The program will share the funding across 24 organisations for 45 infrastructure projects, which include upgrades to health services, refurbishments to staff accommodation and new mobile outreach vehicles.

Doors Open at Flood Recovery Assistance Point in Narrande

A Recovery Assistance Point will operate at Narrandera on Tuesday 29 November to support individuals, families, farmers and business owners recover from the recent flooding.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said Recovery Assistance Points bring together NSW Government agencies, community organisations and welfare bodies all under one roof.

“As we transition from response to recovery, it can be difficult for people to know where to start,” Ms Cooke said.

“Recovery Assistance Points function as the first port of call for people needing to access the various flood recovery support on offer.

“Whether you need to replace damaged documents, receive assistance with the physical clean-up, access emergency accommodation or utilise mental health services, I encourage everyone who has been impacted by the severe storm and flooding to visit.”

The Recovery Assistance Points will operate at Narrandera Emergency Operations Centre, 17-19 Twynam Street Narrandera on:

  • Tuesday, 29 November from 3pm to 6pm.

For the most up-to-date Recovery Assistance Points details, including opening days and hours, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods/recovery-centres.

Service NSW is operating as an online one-stop shop for anyone wanting assistance remotely, with Customer Care specialists also available via phone on 13 77 88.