$1.8 Million Granted to Gilgandra Under the Stronger Communities Fund

Published on 19 October 2018

Gilgandra Shire welcomed Deputy Premier, John Barilaro to town with two big announcements for the community.

With confirmation of $1,814,809 to be put towards local community infrastructure projects under the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund as well as a further $156,600 towards a new SES facility, as a one-third contribution with both Council and the SES.

General Manager, David Neeves says that these infrastructure projects are key to the local community.

“Our community, throughout the Shire will benefit, whether this is community groups and families using the halls or parks, through to the image of our town as visitors drive through.”

Adding,

“We are a friendly and welcoming community, and these new and upgraded infrastructure projects only enhance what we can offer.”

“It is timely that in critical times such as we are facing with the drought that the community can stay vibrant and positive, and in itself will act as an economic stimulus for our Shire.”

The full list of projects that will be funded through the Stronger Country Communities Fund, include:

Project Title

Grant Value

McGrane Oval Masterplan, including upgrading lighting across the main oval, netball and touch fields; upgrading the change rooms and public amenities; improving the turf wicket; adding 2 new surfaced netball courts; increasing spectator seating and shade to the touch and netball fields; renewal of cricket nets; installing a PA system and remote controlled scoreboard; installing security alarms; improving parking; repainting the grandstand; upgrading fencing around the main oval and installing security perimeter fencing.

$991,045

Country Halls Program, including upgrades to Gilgandra Shire Hall, Tooraweenah Hall, Armatree CWA & Gilgandra CWA Halls.

$238,923

Village Beautification, including Tooraweenah walkway to viewing platform and big Armatree tree sign on Highway at Armatree.

$149,050

Shire Parks Program, including Hunter Park shade, skate park upgrade and BBQ, Tooraweenah park upgrades and Armatree history board.

$237,317

Shire Signage Program, including town entry, marketing, shire and village signage

$100,600

Recreation & Community Art

 

$97,874

TOTAL

$1,814,809

Council worked with the community to identify what projects were priorities, through review of the Community Strategic Plan, Long Term Financial Plan as well as a community survey.

Council has completed a number of upgrade works behind the CBD to enhance caravan and RV access under Round 1 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund, with further enhancements planned. Between Round 1 and 2 of the Stronger Country Communities Gilgandra has received a total of $2.3M

The SES facility will be a completely new construction of a 26m x 15m shed with operations room, administration, communications and local command offices, a new kitchen and amenities, parking bays, workshop and mezzanine storage for equipment.

This has been funded through the Emergency Preparedness stream of the Infrastructure Grants under the Department of Liquor & Gaming.

Mr Neeves says,

“The functionality of the new SES fully equipped facility will allow 24/7 emergency response for our community, which is vital in times of need. Especially ensuring that the assistance to our community is not interrupted or impacted by infrastructure limitations.”

“It demonstrates Council’s commitment to upgrading facilities for our valued community volunteers and it’s great the State Government has come on board.”

Works on these project will commence immediately and Council is keen to utilise local businesses where possible on this and many other upcoming projects. To view tenders and quotations that might be relevant to these works, please visit Council’s website or contact 02 6817 8800.