Key point: $2,470,363 for the Bega Valley Shire Council to redevelop a regional museum gallery, construct an indoor sports facility and upgrade a local skate park within the Bega Valley Shire.
Drought-affected regional communities in Eden-Monaro are set to receive a boost with four new local infrastructure and community projects, as part of a $207 million investment under Round 4 of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s highly successful Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).
Federal Nationals Senator for New South Wales Perin Davey said regional Australia would lead the recovery from COVID-19.
“This is a fantastic outcome for Eden-Monaro with four projects receiving $2,560,363 under this latest round of funding,” Ms Davey said.
“These projects will drive economic growth through local jobs and procurement at a time we need them most.
“Communities in Eden-Monaro continue to show amazing spirit and strength as they support each other through these tough times. I am glad this latest round of BBRF will provide more support at such a crucial time.
Liberal Senator for New South Wales Senator Jim Molan AO DSC said the community-based projects were a positive investment in the region’s future.
“These game-changing projects will transform communities and help ensure our productive and vibrant region remains strong, resilient and prosperous in the long term and I look forward to seeing these projects boost economic prosperity right across Eden-Monaro,” Mr Molan said.
“In a community already doing it tough following devastating bushfires earlier this year and a prolonged drought, this will be welcome news to help rebuild post COVID-19.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this funding injection to support 163 new infrastructure and community projects across drought-affected regional Australia came at a critical time for communities.
“Regional Australians have endured the devastating effects of a prolonged drought which has affected communities across the country for many years,” Mr McCormack said.
“In addition, regional Australia has withstood one of the most devastating bushfire seasons, floods and now a global pandemic – to say they’ve been hit hard in recent times, is an understatment.
“Their resilience will lead Australia’s recovery through grass-roots projects – creating jobs, boosting local economies and growing confidence in regional communities as a great place to live, work and invest.
“BBRF projects strengthen our local economies and drive much-needed local procurement, with thousands of jobs expected to be supported throughout regional Australia – delivering career pathways and enabling people to stay in the very communities they grew up in.”
Minister for Drought David Littleproud said it was important now more than ever for the Australian Government to continue supporting drought-affected regions.
“Through the BBRF, the Australian Government is continuing its long-standing commitment to regional Australia, making vital local projects a reality, driving economic development and creating stronger partnerships across our regional communities,” Mr Littleproud said.
“We have seen outstanding outcomes from the first three rounds of the BBRF and the drought- focused fourth round will continue that trend by funding critical local infrastructure projects.
“This latest round is an opportunity to support and work together with the one and a half million Australians affected by drought.”
Eden-Monaro Projects:
$2,470,363 for the Bega Valley Shire Council to redevelop a regional museum gallery,
construct an indoor sports facility and upgrade a local skate park within the Bega Valley
Shire.
$20,000 for the Merimbula Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism to deliver a two day
event which showcases the region.
$20,000 Cooma Chamber of Commerce Incorporated to deliver a strategic plan for local
businesses to drive local economy in the future and understand the issues faced by business.
$50,000 for Bega Valley Shire Council to research three key regional industries – Tourism,
Agribusiness and Health and Aged Care to form a basis for community and economic
strategies.
For a full list of successful projects, please visit www.business.gov.au/bbrf
