Federal member for Calare Andrew Gee announced more than $16.5 million in Bushfire Local Economic Grants across the electorate on Wednesday, with the Oberon, Lithgow and Mudgee areas to benefit from the support package.
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Mr Gee said 15 projects will receive a funding boost in the region, with almost 200 projects to be funded across the state as part of the program, which is providing support in the continued aftermath of the 2019-20 bushfire season.
Almost $5 million of that will fund the first stage of Oberon's Multi-Purpose Sports and Community Complex, which will relocate the town's current ground to a new site and include rugby league fields, netball courts, a clubhouse, seating and amenities.
Another $852,010 has been granted to expand Oberon Children's Centre, including the construction of a multi-purpose community building with therapy rooms, a kitchen and children's play spaces.
Other major funding includes $859,700 to provide community and tourism infrastructure at Mudgee's Putta Bucca Wetlands and another $854,602 to deliver facilities, training programs and social services to aid emergency recovery in Olinda and Running Stream.
Lithgow City Council's Glow Worm Tunnel visitor precinct will also be upgraded, with more than $2.7 million pledged to develop and deliver full-day tourist experiences in the Wolgan Valley.
Almost $1 million has been granted to construct an emergency fire shelter in the Wolgan Valley too, while $1 million will be allocated to the Great Eastern Ranges initiative to support employment, the environment and infrastructure in bushfire-affected areas.
"The Black Summer bushfires were absolutely devastating for our region," Mr Gee said.
"While some of the physical scars have started to heal the recovery process is far from complete, 18 months on we're still picking up the pieces.
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"The trust is that we'll be living with the effects of these bushfires for a long time to come, with vital recovery work ongoing. That's why this funding is so important.
"It combines support for future bushfire preparedness and practical community infrastructure projects, along with projects which will boost local economies."
The program is jointly-funded by the Australian and NSW governments, with projects focusing on drawing people to the region, supporting primary industries, enhancing jobs and improving community infrastructure.
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Matt Findlay
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
