Community benefits from grant funds
Friday 2 August, 2024
Residents across the region will share in the benefits of more than $4 million allocated to Tamworth Regional Council under phase 4 of Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
A total of 10 projects will be funded using $4,182,573 to be spent this financial year.
Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb said it’s a big win to receive the funding to deliver the projects.
“In our conversations with our community about our financial sustainability we have spoken about how we are reliant on grant funding. There’s no doubt the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program has made a significant difference for us in recent years,” he said. ‘‘This latest round brings the total funding we have received through the program to more than $15.5 million – that’s among the highest amounts received by councils in NSW.”
Australian Government representative Senator Tim Ayres said the announcement of over $4 million in funding for Tamworth Regional Council is great news for the community.
“The Government is committed to supporting local communities through critical infrastructure,” he said. “This funding will enhance local roads and community facilities and also create more good jobs for the region.”
Tamworth Regional Council projects include adding 1.6km of lighting to shared pathways at Tamworth’s Riverside Sporting Fields worth $500,000, a $400,000 investment in new kennels and additional cat cages at Tamworth Regional Companion Animal Centre, $100,000 to add a bitumen surface to Bendemeer’s two tennis courts and $1,530,040 for local road pavement rehabilitation.
Already $340,000 has been used to fund the second phase of the tree planting project in Tamworth’s CBD. Work is almost complete installing a specialised system to contain roots in Brisbane Street where aristocrat ornamental pears will soon be planted. The plantings - an initiative of Tamworth’s Urban Street Tree Management Plan developed with the assistance of the Urban Street Tree Advisory Group – aim to increase shade, reduce heat, improve air quality and enhance the streetscape.
A key project is implementing part of the region’s Entrance Strategy – developed through widespread community consultation before its adoption in July 2023 – worth $850,000. It will involve the installation of 18 signs at road entrances to Tamworth, Bendemeer, Barraba, Kootingal, Manilla, Moonbi and Nundle.
The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program supports all Australian councils to deliver priority local road and infrastructure projects, creating jobs and long-lasting benefits for communities. A total of $750 million in funding has been allocated nationally in phase 4.