Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton, Bourke Shire Mayor Barry Holman and General Manager Mark Riley inspected the progress of one of Bourke Shire Council’s LRCI projects funded under round one during a visit to Bourke last month.
Shovels will hit the ground across the Parkes electorate as almost $6 million worth of projects have been approved to enhance local roads and community infrastructure, while supporting jobs and boosting the economy.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the project approval for six councils in the Parkes electorate is part of Phase Two of the Government’s $1.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program.
“I’m pleased that councils in the Parkes electorate are getting on with spending this money, which will not only improve local roads and provide for new and upgraded amenities across the region, it will also support job creation, construction businesses and economic growth,” Mr Coulton said.
“The LRCI Program has proven to be a huge success for our region’s councils, delivering numerous direct and indirect benefits to local communities.
“From upgrades to the Bourke Pool, Gunnedah Aerodrome, Moree Netball Courts and Cobar’s Ward Oval to the construction of Goodooga Skate Park and drainage works in the Walgett Shire, I’m proud to part of a Coalition Government that is investing in regional communities for the long haul.”
Under the second tranche of Phase Two of the LRCI Program, the following funding allocations have been made to councils in the Parkes electorate, for a total of 28 projects:
- Bourke Shire Council – $868,018
- Brewarrina Shire Council – $589,387
- Cobar Shire Council – $845,918
- Gunnedah Shire Council – $1,004,823
- Moree Plains Shire Council – $1,558,515
- Walgett Shire Council – $980,229
The construction of these projects is expected to create more than 200 full time equivalent jobs, with works due to be completed by the end of this year.
More information on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is available at investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program.
Recently approved projects for the Parkes electorate:
| LGA | Project | Funding |
| Bourke Shire Council | Additional swimming pool shade for the marshalling area and communal areas surrounding the pool | $380,000 |
| Bourke Shire Council | Medical Centre external upgrade and automated sprinkler system | $120,000 |
| Bourke Shire Council | Back O’ Bourke function centre disability access path | $60,000 |
| Bourke Shire Council | Men’s Shed relocation of toilet | $50,000 |
| Bourke Shire Council | Solar lighting on footpath/ bike track from Wharf to North Bourke | $112,000 |
| Bourke Shire Council | Fixed chairs, tables, furniture for public spaces/ parks/ reserves | $20,000 |
| Bourke Shire Council | Shade at Bourke Swimming Pool carpark | $126,018 |
| Brewarrina Shire Council | Construction of a toddler pool | $189,387 |
| Brewarrina Shire Council | Construction of a skate park at Goodooga | $100,000 |
| Brewarrina Shire Council | All access park furniture and shade picnic shelters at community parks | $100,000 |
| Brewarrina Shire Council | Continuation of the Brewarrina LGA Road Safety Grid Program | $200,000 |
| Cobar Shire Council | Construction of toilet blocks at the Euabalong Racecourse | $250,000 |
| Cobar Shire Council | Installation of a lift at the Cobar Youth and Fitness Centre | $245,918 |
| Cobar Shire Council | Upgrades to the stable facilities at Ward Oval Sports Complex | $150,000 |
| Cobar Shire Council | Construction of an entrance road and off-road carpark at the Sound Chapel | $200,000 |
| Gunnedah Shire Council | Upgrades to the Gunnedah Aerodrome, including grading the runway and taxiway, upgrading the lighting system and line marking and the installation of illuminated wind indicators at both ends of the runway | $255,000 |
| Gunnedah Shire Council | Acceleration of the Gunnedah Kerb and Gutter Program to include Palmer Crescent, Osric Street, Hunter Street and George Street | $360,914 |
| Gunnedah Shire Council | Upgrade to the Gunnedah Impoundment Facility | $388,909 |
| Moree Plains Shire Council | Moree Netball Courts renewal, including the demolition of existing courts, laying foundations and asphalt and concrete surfaces, line marking, netting and lighting and security upgrades | $680,000 |
| Moree Plains Shire Council | Stage two of the Mungindi Courts Upgrade, including upgrading two tennis courts and a netball court. | $300,000 |
| Moree Plains Shire Council | Moree CBD pedestrian safety works, including the installation of a medium/ long pedestrian island down the main street | $326,460 |
| Moree Plains Shire Council | Boughton Oval 100m track | $100,000 |
| Moree Plains Shire Council | Construction of shared pathways around various locations in Moree | $152,055 |
| Walgett Shire Council | Barwon Street and Church Street kerb and gutter drainage works | $130,000 |
| Walgett Shire Council | Kaolin Street Lightning Ridge kerb and gutter drainage works | $113,000 |
| Walgett Shire Council | Sealing of the Lightning Ridge Showground and Racecourse carpark | $121,000 |
| Walgett Shire Council | Fox Street sealing and drainage works | $370,000 |
| Walgett Shire Council | Merrywinebone Road heavy patching in various locations | $246,229 |
