Photo caption: Bourke Shire Council Mayor Barry Hollman and Federal Member for Parkes and Minister for Local Government Mark Coulton pictured with the new toilet facilities at Rotary Park, which have been well-received by locals and visitors. This is just one of the projects funded under the first round of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.
The planting of 100 new trees, the installation of sprinkler systems and public toilet refurbishments are among the projects currently rolling out across Bourke shire, thanks to a $1.19 million Federal Government investment which is creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
Federal Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton met with Bourke Shire Council Mayor Barry Hollman during a visit to Bourke on Friday to discuss how the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) funding is benefitting the shire.
“Bourke Shire Council received $1,199,903 under the first phase of the LRCI program and it’s fantastic to see 16 projects charging ahead using these funds,” Mr Coulton said.
“One of the biggest projects is the construction of a health and wellbeing facility at Back O Bourke Park, featuring exercise equipment, a barbecue area, picnic tables and a pontoon.
“A refurbishment of the public toilets at Rotary Park and the planting of 100 new trees along the town’s entry corridor are among other projects that will not only benefit Bourke residents, but will make the town more appealing to visitors.
“This is exactly the type of work the Federal Government is pleased to support – to create local job opportunities, while delivering lasting benefits.
“The LRCI program has proven to be a huge success for our local communities, with councils able to use these funds for projects that they otherwise wouldn’t have the capacity to undertake.”
Local projects approved in the Bourke Shire Council area under the first round of the LRCI program include:
- The installation of a sprinkler system at Back O Bourke – $90,000
- The installation of a sprinkler system at Jones Park – $15,000
- The installation of a sprinkler system at Wharf area – $42,000
- The installation of a sprinkler system at Darling Park – $17,000
- Sealing of the pool carpark – $46,676
- Sealing of the Golf Club carpark – $60,858
- Sealing of the North Bourke Truck Stop – $68,643.00
- Construction of a shed over the railway scales – $12,500.00
- The removal and relocation of the Swagman mural and information board at Percy Hobson Park – $10,000.00
- Refurbishment of the Rotary Park toilets – $62,500
- Construction of a 4km compressed granite pathway with two coat seal – $240,000
- Construction of a health and wellbeing facility at Back O Bourke – $249,726
- Planting of 100 new trees around town – $90,000
- Construction of footpaths and laybacks – $140,000
- Upgrades to the fencing at the Golf Club – $25,000
- Upgrades to the toilets at the Golf Club and Squash Club complex – $30,000
Bourke Shire Mayor Barry Hollman said there was currently a significant amount of activity in the shire with council staff and contractors continuing to roll out projects as part of the LRCI program.
“Council is currently delivering these projects that, when complete, will deliver real benefits to both residents and visitors to Bourke,” Mayor Hollman said.
“It is excellent for Bourke and the funding is allowing projects to be undertaken that are improving our town and community.”
In the 2021–22 Budget, the Australian Government announced a $1 billion extension of the LRCI program, following strong community and local government support. This extension brings the total LRCI funding allocation for Bourke Shire Council to $4,467,727 million.
“This is fantastic news for the local community and means Bourke Shire Council will be able to continue planning and delivering priority infrastructure projects,” Mr Coulton said.
Mayor Hollman said he was delighted that council had received a further $2,399,806 funding allocation under the third phase of the LRCI Program.
“Council has resolved to utilise these funds to redevelop the program pool and upgrade the pool entry and kiosk at the Bourke War Memorial Swimming Pool,” Mayor Hollman said.
“The result for the community in undertaking these works, coupled with other recent works at the pool facility, will be a first-class swimming pool amenity which will serve Bourke for many years into the future.
“Council is very grateful to Minister Coulton and the Federal Government for their ongoing funding which is making a real difference to Bourke.”
