Eleven community infrastructure projects with a combined price tag of $24,512,347 will proceed thanks to the Federal and State Governments’ combined Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said these projects will boost economic recovery and create jobs in our community.
“These projects were identified by the community and will make a big difference locally, creating opportunities to increase tourism, employment and economic recovery, as well as building community cohesion and making us more resilient in times of crisis,” Mr Hogan said.
“Projects include $11 million for Clarence Valley Council to create the Treelands Drive Community Hub in Yamba and $5 million for the Maclean Community Precinct project.”
State Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said other community infrastructure projects would deliver a new multi-purpose facility at Jumbunna Community Preschool in Casino, repurpose the Grafton Rowing Club boathouse into a museum, replace the Ewingar Rural Fire Service shed and launch an ecotourism project on Aboriginal land on Hickey Island.
“There are also some great environmental repair projects in the Bungawalbin area in Richmond Valley, the Blicks community, Corcoran Park and other areas across the Clarence Valley,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“The Nationals in Government have said from day one that this crisis isn’t over when the news headlines fade, we keep working until communities fully recover and are better prepared for the next disaster.”
The Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Package is one part of the $4.5 billion overarching bushfire support program co-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments for bushfire recovery, response and preparedness in NSW. For further information, visit www.nsw.gov.au/blerfund
Mr Hogan and Mr Gulaptis will be doing more local announcements on the ground with the successful recipients in the near future.
Project List
- Jumbunna Community Hub – $1,521,687
- Maclean Community Precinct (Phase 1) – $4,997,000
- Create the Treelands Drive Community Hub in Yamba – $11,107,882
- Redevelop Grafton Rowing Club – $1,829,282
- Bungawalbin Community Bushfire Recovery – $368,696
- Blicks Community Recovery Program – $551,186
- Environmental recovery in Clarence Valley – $918,488
- Regenerate Corcoran Park and Construct Dog Park – $982,000
- Build facility for the Ewingar Rural Fire Service Brigade – $836,126
- Upgrade solar panels and battery storage – $500,000
- Yuraygir Camping: Eco Tourism on Yaegl Country – $900,000
CVC welcomes funding announcement
Clarence Valley Council Acting General Manager Laura Black welcomed the successful funding announcement.
Ms Black said it was great news for the Clarence Valley, with each project set to benefit the community in a different way.
“The $11 million Treelands Drive Community Hub will improve the accessibility of services to the community, and include a library, a more efficient community centre, an art gallery, a dedicated youth space, visitor information hub, and commercial kitchen,” she said.
“We’re also excited about the $5 million Maclean Community Precinct, which will include extensive upgrades to the Maclean Civic Hall that are needed to prolong its service life. The main building will also be altered to enhance community engagement, with surrounding buildings set to be removed to create a public park that will visually connect River St with the Clarence River.
“Both of these facilities will also serve as community refuge hubs in times of natural disaster.”
Other projects include:
- an upgrade of Corcoran Park ($982,000), which will include the construction of a fenced dog park as well as an access road, viewing areas and parking facilities. The project will also include supporting infrastructure including connection pathways, park furniture, shade shelters, dog agility equipment, a water station and suitable vegetation and landscaping.
- a new facility for the Ewingar Rural Fire Service Brigade ($836,126), which will better respond to future events, enhance community resilience, and upgrade operations with a helipad and an all-accessible facility. This project was a joint submission between Council and the Rural Fire Service.
- a $500,000 solar and battery storage upgrade to Council’s South Grafton Works Depot, which will ensure it is able to function fully function during natural disasters when the grid may be down, as well as reducing the council’s carbon emissions.
“We know that bushfire recovery is still ongoing in our communities, and with ongoing COVID restrictions also affecting our region this contribution from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund has come at a great time,” Ms Black said.
“Together, these projects will create jobs and help boost the Clarence Valley’s economic recovery, and once finished they will also build resilience and community spirit.”