Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (right) met with Walgett Shire Council General Manager Michael Urquhart and Mayor Jane Keir to discuss the projects that have been approved under Phase 3 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.
Walgett Shire Council will soon be delivering a number of priority projects, thanks to a $2,471,230 investment from the Australian Government which is creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
A total of seven projects have been approved under Phase 3 of the former Coalition Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, including:
- The Rowena Hall refurbishment – $60,000
- Collarenebri Hall refurbishment – $250,000
- Opal Street footpath construction in Lightning Ridge – $210,000
- Carinda Sportsground fencing renewal – $40,000
- Walgett Splash Park construction – $1,000,000
- Reconstruction and sealing of Miners Road, Grawin – $180,000
- Gravel re-sheeting and sheeting of unsealed roads – $731,230
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said this funding provides the opportunity for Walgett Shire Council to complete a number of key projects that will provide lasting benefits.
“With the challenges presented by COVID-19, bushfires, floods and the drought, the past couple of years have been tough for communities, businesses and local councils,” Mr Coulton said.
“This funding will provide a vital boost for communities throughout the shire, backing local jobs and economic growth while delivering important projects that will benefit residents for years to come.”
Walgett Shire Council Mayor Jane Keir said the LRCI program has enabled council to complete much-needed projects throughout the towns and villages in the shire.
“Without this funding it wouldn’t be possible for us to upgrade these facilities,” Cr Keir said.
“We cover an area of 22,000 square kilometres with a population of below 7,000, so our rate base is never going to cover these projects. That’s why this funding makes so much difference.
“We have to thank our Federal Member Mark Coulton who has been responsible for a lot of this funding and has worked tirelessly for the Walgett Shire. We’re very appreciative of his assistance over many years.”
Walgett Shire Council received $1,235,615 under the first phase of the LRCI program and $980,229 under Phase 2. This Phase 3 funding brings the total LRCI funding allocation for Walgett Shire Council to $4,687,074.
For more information on the $2.5 billion LRCI program, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives/local-roads-and-community-infrastructure/.