Local projects to roll out across the Kempsey Shire

Published on 24 January 2022

Four projects will be rolled out across the Kempsey Shire to deliver new and upgraded facilities, infrastructure and programs that make a big difference to everyday life in the bush.

The state government has provided a vital boost to four local organisations in the shire by awarding funding after they were successful in their grant applications through the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Kempsey Shire Council Mayor, Leo Hauville, said the funding will provide much-needed improvements to the infrastructure of various sporting and recreational facilities across the shire.

"We know how important these organisations are in encouraging sport participation to enable community inclusiveness, so having modern facilities to complement this is essential."

"Kempsey-Macleay Dragon Boat Club will now be able to build their own clubhouse and storage facility adjacent to Riverside Park. Kemp Street playing fields will receive an upgrade on its lighting bringing it up to standard," said Cr Hauville.

"The Crescent Head Netball Courts will receive an amenities upgrade, court resurfacing and lighting improvements, which is really welcome news and well overdue as this facility was built sometime in the 1980s."

Crescent Head Country Club's tennis facility will also benefit from funding, with a new multifunctional clubhouse, accessible amenities and ramps to and from the building and tennis courts. The building will be utilised by not only the tennis community but as a meeting room for other groups, a function centre to service the new mini golf area being constructed, and in times of crisis it provides an evacuation room.

Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey said these projects will build upon the NSW Government’s vision to help make regional NSW the best place to live, work and visit.

“We’re going to see $3 million invested in Oxley community and sporting infrastructure,” Ms Pavey said.

“This is a win for our community, and I congratulate all those who were successful in their Stronger Country Communities Fund applications”.

The funded projects in the Kempsey Shire are as follows:

• Kempsey Macleay Dragon Boat Club construction of clubhouse/storage facility, $275,000
• Kemp Street playing fields lighting upgrade, $218,26
• Crescent Head Netball courts amenities upgrade, $181,163
• Crescent Head Country Club tennis precinct (multifunctional clubhouse/meeting facility), $253,022

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole today announced that 435 projects across every single one of the state’s 93 regional Local Government Areas (LGAs) would receive funding under Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Four.

“The Stronger Country Communities fund delivers guaranteed investment in every single regional LGA in NSW and has seen $500 million invested across more than 1900 local projects since 2017,” Mr Toole said.

“About half of this latest $100 million round will deliver 189 female sporting projects, including the construction or upgrade of female changerooms, additional amenity blocks and bathrooms, and playing surfaces like netball and tennis courts.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the female sporting amenities projects backed by Round Four would make it easier for women and girls to be a part of their local sports team.

“Better facilities and support programs that encourage greater female participation at all levels and across all sporting codes will go a long way to levelling the playing field for women,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Many of Australia’s elite female athletes started their career in regional NSW and we want to give the next generation every opportunity to discover, develop and hone their skills and prowess.”

The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, which alongside the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund is delivering infrastructure and programs that generate opportunities, investment and jobs.

For more information go to: www.nsw.gov.au/SCCF.