Friday, 20 March 2020

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP today announced $776,820 from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund for community projects across the Bland Shire.

The NSW Government funding has been spread across six projects.

• $219,380 to upgrade the netball courts in Ungarie, converting the current single court into two Netball NSW approved courts and installing lighting.

• $214,000 to build a roof, awning, an electric curtain and install LED lighting at the West Wyalong Basketball Stadium.

• $151,220 to extend the existing skate park area and install new skate ramps and obstacles to accommodate beginner and junior riders.

• $74,220 to provide an amenities block incorporating toilets, canteen and viewing area at the West Wyalong Tennis Centre.

• $68,000 to construct an off-leash dog park at Cooinda Park, Wyalong.

• $50,000 to deliver mental health and resilience programs and initiatives to all high school students across the Bland Shire.

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Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she was delighted these projects had secured funding.

“Last year we held a ‘Pizza and Pitch’ night where young people from around the Bland Shire talked to us about their priorities and what they believed would make their communities better places to live. The upgrades to the skate park and basketball courts were among their highest priorities. I am so pleased this funding is now available for those ideas to become reality,” Ms Cooke said.

“This investment from the NSW Government will allow the Bland Shire to upgrade these wonderful recreation spaces, and helping people enjoy healthier lifestyles. I look forward to seeing them come to life.”

Bland Shire Mayor Brian Monaghan said that this round of funding represented a critical investment in the youth of Bland Shire.

“With the focus of this funding round on youth, I was pleased to host a Mayoral youth forum last year where a number of the projects and initiatives announced today, including the mental health and wellbeing program and upgrades to the outdoor basketball court and West Wyalong skate park, were identified as top priorities by local representatives,” Cr Monaghan said.

“Council has also received strong representations from members of the community, as well as visitors to our area, in support of the construction of a dog park at Cooinda Park and it is pleasing to see that passion rewarded.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said $100 million was being distributed across regional NSW, with regional communities set to benefit from more than 550 new projects.

To date, rounds one and two of the program have funded more than 1,000 projects.

“Locals across regional NSW are seeing the benefits of rounds one and two of the Fund, with projects making a big difference to everyday life, from new playgrounds loved by kids to light towers illuminating sporting fields,” Mr Barilaro said.

“We are funding grassroots projects that make a real difference to each community, and we know how important it is to support our regional towns with new infrastructure and programs.”

The $400 million Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $1.7 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is being invested in local programs and infrastructure that improve the lives of people living in regional NSW.

For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/strongercountrycommunities.