Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (right) inspects plans for the Narrabri Shire Tourism and Cultural Precinct with Narrabri Shire Council’s Open Spaces Manager Evan Harris.

Tibbereena Street in Narrabri is set to become a vibrant cultural hub for locals and visitors, with the Australian Government providing more than $1.4 million for the Narrabri Shire Tourism and Cultural Precinct.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has welcomed this funding which was announced this week under Round 1 of the Growing Regions Program.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to see that Narrabri Shire Council has been awarded $1,483,112 for stages two and three of the Narrabri Shire Tourism and Cultural Precinct,” Mr Coulton said.

“The former Coalition Government provided $300,000 under the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program for stage one of the project, which involved the construction of a new amenities block and access pathways, so I’m pleased Narrabri Shire Council has now been able to secure funding for the remainder of the development.

“The tourism precinct will ultimately transform Tibbereena Street into an attractive destination for community members and tourists. It will provide recreational facilities to encourage passing tourists and visitors to stop and spend time, and ultimately their money, in Narrabri.

“Although the announcement of successful applicants for the Growing Regions Program was delayed by more than two months, I’m very thankful to Infrastructure Minister Catherine King for recognising the importance of this worthwhile project.”

Narrabri Shire Council Mayor Darrell Tiemens said Council is very happy to be awarded this funding.

“Investing in our Tourism and Cultural Precinct isn’t just about enhancing our infrastructure; it’s about investing in the heart of Narrabri Shire,” Cr Tiemens said.

“With $1.4 million in funding, we’re not only able to respond to community feedback on accessibility, but also lay the groundwork for a vibrant hub that reflects the rich diversity of our region.

“From agriculture to research, mining to sport, this precinct will serve as a beacon, drawing in visitors and bolstering our economy for generations to come.”

Narrabri Shire Council is one of five recipients of Round 1 of the Growing Regions Program from the Parkes electorate. The other successful applicants include:

• Brewarrina Shire Council – $10,069,524 for the Brewarrina PCYC – Youth Hub and Indoor Sports Centre
• Moree Plains Shire Council – $9,641,761 for the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre Redevelopment
• Dubbo Regional Council – $7,190,505 for the Wiradjuri Cultural Tourism Centre and Keeping Place
• Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation – $2,181,534 for a Community Cultural Hub Project

The Growing Regions Program provides funding to local government entities and incorporated not-for-profit organisations for capital works projects that deliver community and economic infrastructure projects across regional and rural Australia.

For more information on the Growing Regions Program, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regional-australia/regional-and-community-programs/growing-regions-program