Bright future for Broken Hill
The future is looking bright for Broken Hill, with the Coalition Government last week granting Major Project Status to the $560 million dollar Broken Hill Cobalt Project.
This project will produce 16,700 tonnes of high purity cobalt sulphate per year – a highly sought-after form of this critical mineral, used in the manufacture of lithium ion batteries.
It will bring more than 400 jobs to Broken Hill, creating significant economic opportunities for the region, while also supercharging our role in the global battery supply chain. We’re committed to reducing emissions, and this is another great example of the Parkes electorate leading the way.
While in Broken Hill last week, it was great to catch up with Mayor Tom Kennedy and the staff at Broken Hill City Library to learn more about their plans for an oral history project. The Federal Government has provided a $2,551 grant under the Culture, Heritage and Arts Regional Tourism (CHART) program for Broken Hill City Council to purchase voice recorders to capture the stories of local people.
It was also a pleasure to catch up with the Broken Hill Scouts, Lifeline Broken Hill and 2DRY FM, to find out how each of these groups are benefitting from their respective Volunteer Grants.
Western Cancer Centre officially opened
It was a momentous occasion for Dubbo and the wider region on Saturday, when the $35 million Western Cancer Centre was officially opened!
Having fought for this project since 2016, I’m thrilled to see this centre already benefitting the region in life-changing ways and am so proud to have helped make this happen.
It was an honour to join my colleagues – Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, NSW Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor and NSW Minister for Western New South Wales and State Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders – to officially open this state-of-the-art facility.
Creating drought resilient leaders
Last week I was pleased to announce that 32 leaders in the Parkes electorate have been selected to take part in the Future Drought Fund Drought Resilience Leaders program in Western NSW.
From Broken Hill, Dubbo, Bourke, Lake Cargelligo, Louth, Narromine, Warren and Mutawintji, the local leaders are among a total of 42 forward-thinkers from across Western NSW who are currently taking part in the leadership development program, which will equip them with the skills needed to drive action in their communities to prepare for future droughts.
The full list of participants is available on my website www.markcoulton.com.au. For more information about the Future Drought Fund Drought Resilience Leaders program and other FDF programs visit: awe.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/future-drought-fund
Rebuilding our regional communities
Local businesses and community groups in the Parkes electorate have the opportunity to apply for a share of $5.7 million in funding to help our communities recover and grow on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applications are now open for the new Rebuilding Regional Communities Program, with grants of up to $50,000 available for a range of grassroots, community-led initiatives that will help our communities by strengthening social connections, supporting jobs and creating economic opportunities.
This funding will deliver a much-needed boost for communities in the Parkes electorate. I look forward to working with local groups to help secure the funding they need to bounce back strongly and deliver for locals as we continue to recover from the pandemic.
For more information and to apply, visit https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/src-rebuilding-regional-communities/
