Community projects get boost from Resources for Regions
Published on 06 December 2021
Five community projects in Lake Macquarie will benefit from the latest round of the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program, including improvements to sports and youth facilities and funding for a feasibility study into a national Sailing Centre of Excellence.
The region’s round eight Resources for Regions funding was announced today by the Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Taylor Martin, at Rathmines Park, where $350,000 will be invested to build a car park to complement a planned $1.6 million skate park and youth hub, which received $470,000 funding in the previous Resources for Regions round.
Council has been seeking community feedback on two exciting design options for the new skate park and hub, with construction expected to start in late 2022.
Also announced in the funding round was a $120,000 grant to undertake a feasibility study and business case for a proposed Sailing Centre of Excellence on Lake Macquarie. Council has partnered with the University of Newcastle to develop the project, which will deliver a high performance sailing and research centre, with significant benefit to the visitor economy and local sailing community.
Other Lake Macquarie projects to receive Resources for Regions funding were:
- New multi-court facility at Killingworth – $250,000
- New and replacement floodlighting at Douglass St Oval, Dora Creek and Finnan Oval, Blackalls Park – $595,299
- Business case and feasibility study for four enclosed, dedicated ‘Learn to Swim’ pools at existing swim centres – $80,000
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the Resources for Regions funding would advance important community projects in the city.
“The grants will help us plan or deliver improved community services and facilities and create new economic opportunities in Lake Macquarie,” Cr Fraser said.
“There is a strong focus across the projects on providing better facilities for youth and encouraging active lifestyles, and we are very excited about taking our proposal for a national Sailing Centre of Excellence to the next stage.”
Mr Martin said the funding would go towards improving local facilities and providing long-term benefits to the community.
“The benefits that mining brings can place added pressure on local infrastructure, which is why we are supporting mining communities across the state through a record amount of Resources for Regions funding,” Mr Martin said.
The Resources for Regions funding program supports mining communities in regional NSW by providing funding for projects that will enhance social and economic outcomes.