Council was successful in receiving funding under round two of the Stronger Country Communities Fund for the following projects;

• $377,000 for a Lighting Upgrade at the Verge St/Eden St Playing Fields

• $341,000 for South West Rocks High Performance Sporting Complex Lighting Upgrade

• $320,000 for Crescent Aquatic Centre Amenities Block and Fence Realignment

• $288,000 for the Jim Stirling Oval, South Kempsey Lighting Upgrade

• $274,921 for Frederickton River Park New Amenities, Playground and Picnic Area

• $144,312 for a New Amenities Near Footbridge and Construction of Picnic Area at Back Creek, South West Rocks - Council will fund the remainder of the project to the value of the original grant application of $303,663

Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey, congratulated Council and looks forward to on-ground works starting.

“I thank Council for putting these projects forward and it is very pleasing to see that work come to fruition; now, we look forward with eagerness to seeing these works get underway.

“Equally, as they are completed, I’m sure the community will also very much appreciate the lasting benefits of these projects. They will make the Macleay Valley an even more attractive place to live, work and raise a family,” Mrs Pavey said.

Mayor, Liz Campbell, thanked Mrs Pavey for her ongoing support of improving infrastructure across the Shire.

“These projects have been identified as community priorities and I’m thrilled that Council can now move forward in delivering better facilities for residents and visitors,” Cr Campbell said.

“I’d like to thank the community for working with Council in developing the Macleay Valley Sports Strategy and providing input at our Catch-up Meetings to ensure that projects are in line with community expectations.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the roll out of the second round of projects takes Stronger Country Communities funding to $300 million.

“The $300 million Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $1.6 billion Regional Growth Fund that is employing local tradies, putting local suppliers to work and providing the right environment to operate regional businesses,” Mr Barilaro said.

For more information, please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/strongercountrycommunities