Member for Murray Austin Evans today announced Murray has received $6.4 million in funding to breathe life into local community projects as part of the NSW Government’s $200 million Stronger Country Communities fund.
Mr Evans said Berrigan Shire Council will benefit from over $925,000 in funding. The projects include replacing and upgrading the netball courts at Berrigan Sportsground, extending the walking path network at Tocumwal, installing a challenge playground at Barooga Foreshore, extending the Tocumwal Library, and upgrading the skate park at Rotary Park in Finley.
“The NSW Government’s significant investment in the Murray electorate will provide residents with improved facilities the whole region can enjoy.
“This is fantastic news for Murray,” Mr Evans said.
“Our community has been calling out for upgrades to local facilities and I’m thrilled these can now be carried out.
“Stronger Country Communities funding is an investment in local infrastructure to improve the lives of residents and enhance the attractiveness of our region – this funding will help us do exactly that,” Mr Evans said.
Berrigan Shire Council Mayor Matthew Hannan agreed and said the Council welcomes this additional funding that allows the Council to take forward some important projects that would otherwise struggle to achieve priority funding.
“Projects completed under this funding package are making a real difference to people’s lives in the Berrigan Shire whether that be through recreation, learning or business,” said Cr Hannan.
The Stronger Country Communities fund is one of the six funds that make up the NSW Government’s $1.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is designed to improve economic growth and productivity through investment in regional communities.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the Stronger Country Communities Fund targets smaller-sized projects that nevertheless have the capacity to make a big difference to the lives of country people.
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting the people of regional NSW, by investing in the facilities, parks, halls and playgrounds they need, want and deserve,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The Stronger Country Communities fund is a once-in-a-generation investment and I’m excited for the people of regional NSW to start seeing these projects pop up all over the place,” he said.
Applications for Round Two of funding will open in March 2018 and further details can be found at www.nsw.gov.au/strongercountrycommunities