The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $50 million to help regional and rural councils fix the increasing number of potholes brought on by this year’s extreme wet weather.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said under the new Fixing Local Roads Pothole Repair Round, Councils across the electorate can apply for funding to help them address their highest priority pothole repairs.
“It is hard to drive anywhere on our road network without dodging potholes as a result of the wet weather we have experienced this year,” Ms Cooke said.
“We have heard the calls for help loud and clear and fixing the hundreds of potholes caused by recent heavy rains and flooding is a priority.
“This additional support will help ease the pressure local councils are facing and boost the resources they can draw upon to repair their most damaged roads to improve safety and reduce wear and tear on vehicles.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said NSW has had more than its fair share of natural disasters and extreme weather and that more than 135,000 potholes have been repaired on State roads in regional NSW since February.
“We certainly have plenty more potholes that still require attention, particularly on council-managed roads, which is why our Government is putting more money on the table for councils to repair potholes on the roads regional communities use every day,” Mr Farraway said.
“This funding is available to help every regional council across the state to carry out emergency repairs and would fix roughly more than 420,000 potholes on their roads.”
The new funding builds on the $500 million invested by the NSW Government through the Fixing Local Roads program to help regional councils repair, maintain and seal local roads across the state.
Funding under the Fixing Local Roads Pothole Repair Round is available to 95 regional councils and authorities to help repair potholes on regional and local roads. Work must be completed between 1 January 2023 and 1 January 2024.
Applications for funding are open for two weeks from today with funding announced in November so councils can begin work as soon as possible.
The NSW Government is seeking applications for cultural infrastructure projects that will benefit audiences and improve access to arts and cultural facilities across NSW.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said that local councils, not-for-profit organisations and Local Aboriginal Land Councils, should take advantage of the targeted cultural infrastructure funding and apply with ideas that will benefit the local community.
“This funding is an excellent opportunity for our community to develop and upgrade cultural facilities in the region, and I encourage everyone to put their ideas forward,” Ms Cooke said.
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the Minor Works and Equipment Projects Round Two grants, delivered through the Creative Capital program, demonstrate the NSW Government’s commitment to invest in projects that reinforce the State’s position as the leading arts and culture hub in Australia.
“We’re calling for applications for projects that will pay dividends for communities across NSW by developing and upgrading fit-for-purpose cultural facilities such as museums, theatres, performance spaces, galleries and Aboriginal Keeping Places and language centres,” Mr Franklin said.
“Cultural equity is at the heart of the NSW Government’s Creative Capital program and thanks to the $60 million investment – more projects like this can now realise their ambitions, providing more people with access to world-class arts and culture, no matter where they live in the state.”
“The people of NSW deserve a rich and diverse cultural offering and this funding will ensure our museums, theatres, performance venues, galleries, libraries and Aboriginal Cultural Centres, Keeping Places and language centres are fit-for-purpose and continue to present quality arts and cultural experiences.”
Applications close on 12 midday, Monday 8 August 2022, download a copy of the guidelines at www.create.nsw.gov.au.
The NSW Government will allocate a record $19.4 million to 63 public schools across the Cootamundra electorate in 2022.
This week schools will receive their School Budget Allocation Report which includes funding allocated through the Resource Allocation Model (RAM), a needs based funding model that ensures record funding is targeted at supporting the individual needs of students.
The funding for the Cootamundra electorate is part of a total annual $10.4 billion being delivered to NSW public schools in 2022 that will drive improved student learning outcomes.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said schools are receiving more funding than ever before under this government.
“This level of funding going to our schools mean students have the opportunities and support to reach their potential through a quality education,” Ms Cooke said.
“This government is proud of its investment in public education. Principals will use this funding allocation to effectively plan the strategic use of resources, putting students and their education needs first.”
The allocation of RAM funding recognises the needs of schools across NSW differ and takes into account the socio-economic profile of students, Aboriginal student numbers, students with disability and English language proficiency.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the funding provides certainty and gives schools the ability to plan the investment in their students.
“The allocations are part of a total $10.4 billion investment being delivered directly to public schools in 2022, supporting our students and improving their learning outcomes,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This record investment is not a ‘spend and forget’, but a targeted approach solely focused on our students and underpinned by the new School Success Model.”
The School Success Model’s commitment to simplifying school budgets and reducing time spent on low-value administrative tasks in schools strengthens the state wide focus on teaching and learning to ensure funding is invested to improve results.
The NSW Government is working towards creating Australia’s best education system and providing students with world-class education no matter where they live.