Eight new community projects in the Richmond Valley have just been funded in the latest round of the Nationals in NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced.

“We are allocating a little over $100,000 for six community group initiatives and two projects put forward by Richmond Valley Council,” Mr Gulaptis said.

Richmond Valley Mayor Robert Mustow said he was pleased the two bids his Council had submitted had both been fully funded and would enhance lower Richmond Valley infrastructure.

“Thanks to these grants, we will undertake a $25,000 overhaul of Coraki Youth Hall including new toilets and asbestos removal and we will invest $14,000 to build a new outdoor park shelter with a BBQ and picnic setting at Rileys Hill, Broadwater,” Mayor Mustow said.

Mr Gulaptis said the other grants would be used to repaint the New Italy Museum, buy solar panels for the Evans Head Senior Citizens Hall and St Vinnies in Casino as well as fund upgrades for three local sports clubs.

“Coraki Golf Club gets 200 new trees and loses its potholes, Casino Pony Club gets a much-needed new zero-turn mower and a trailer, while the increasingly popular Casino Croquet Club gets shaded seating for members and visitors,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“Working with Mayor Mustow and groups like these makes the trips to Parliament in Sydney worthwhile.”

The Community Building Partnership program is one of a number of Nationals in NSW Government initiatives designed to make regional communities like those in the Richmond Valley even better places to work, rest and play.