Bland Shire will soon benefit from five new projects that will deliver local infrastructure improvements and help the community thrive, thanks to the NSW Government’s $50 million Resources for Regions round seven.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke today announced she had secured $2,095,172 for five projects which will deliver upgrades to local infrastructure and create new community recreation facilities.
Ms Cooke said the funded projects are:
- West Wyalong Aerodrome Upgrade – $606,173
- West Wyalong Recreation Ground upgrade – $485,000
- Cooinda Waters Canoe Circuit – $350,000
- West Wyalong Harness Racing Club Refurbishment – $354,763
- West Wyalong Golf Course Rejuvenation and Sustainability Project – $299,236
“This is a huge investment in the Bland Shire and a recognition of how much the community contributes to the state’s resources industry,” Ms Cooke said.
“It’s also an investment in the community’s wellbeing, with many of these projects focused on getting people out and about and creating lasting infrastructure for everyone.
“Such as at the West Wyalong Recreation Ground upgrade, which will fund a resurfacing of four netball courts at the Park Street Recreation Ground, renovation of the cricket nets, sports lighting upgrade and fencing.
“And at the Cooinda Waters Canoe Circuit, the existing circuit will be widened and extended, with a new 410 metre circuit created, plus a new canoe storage area, launch ramp and new bridge.
“I am so pleased to have secured this funding for Bland Shire.”
Ms Cooke said these projects are just some of the examples being funded by Resources for Regions round seven, taking the total number of projects supported by the program across regional NSW to 149 since 2012.
Mayor of Bland Shire Brian Monaghan said he was delighted with the funding.
“This is terrific news, it allows us to provide facilities for the community that we can’t normally provide, it just makes it a nicer place to live. We’re in an isolated area so any facilities we can provide are very welcome,” Cr Monaghan said.
“Resources for Regions is a great program, since its inception the mine has generated more than $200 million in royalties and it’s great to see some of this money flowing back in to the community.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the revised Resources for Regions program will generate job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, deliver lifestyle improvements and boost wellbeing in mining towns.
“Mining communities and organisations told us how Resources for Regions could be improved and I took action. Now the revised program is funding a broader range of projects and delivering guaranteed and fairer shares of funding,” Mr Barilaro said.
“These 84 projects will make a real difference to mining communities and there is even more to come, with confirmation in the recent NSW Budget that $75 million will be available for new projects through Resources for Regions round eight in 2021.
“I thank Bland Shire council for putting forward these strong projects on behalf of their community and look forward to seeing the benefits that it will deliver.”
Resources for Regions round seven is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure for regional communities.
For further information, go to www.nsw.gov.au/resourcesforeregions.
