Nationals Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has this week announced two multi-million-dollar funding commitments aimed at improving infrastructure and liveability in the region, as part of the Coalition’s campaign commitments for the next federal election.
Joyce, known for his intensive electorate touring and one-on-one voter engagement, unveiled a $5 million commitment yesterday to support the development of the Wollombi Precinct Plan in Muswellbrook. The funding, to be delivered under a re-elected Coalition government, will assist Muswellbrook Shire Council in enhancing recreational infrastructure for local families.
“This investment will improve the liveability for families at Muswellbrook,” Mr Joyce said.
“Having spaces that children can enjoy, adults can connect, and potential new residents can find appealing to relocate for work or a tree change from the suburbs of Sydney to the community of Muswellbrook is important.”
The Wollombi Precinct is designed to promote an active lifestyle and foster community connections, with features including an adventure playground, basketball courts, parkour facilities, a new oval, pedestrian paths, lighting, and bush regeneration.
Muswellbrook Mayor Jeff Drayton welcomed the announcement, describing the funding as a “significant step” toward realising the Council’s full $10 million vision for the precinct.
“The purpose of the Wollombi Precinct Plan is to give this community a place they’re proud of, where they can exercise and unwind in a safer, greener space with better roads and pedestrian access for everyone,” Cr Drayton said.
“We want this precinct to be a place for families where our young people feel valued. Council’s full vision at Wollombi needs $10 million in funding, and this is a significant step that should be adopted across the party divide.”
Mr Joyce criticised the current federal government’s approach to regional funding, positioning the Coalition as committed to reinvigorating the Muswellbrook region.
“The Muswellbrook region deserves serious investment and will no longer be the forgotten town, as it has been under a Labor Government,” he said. “A Coalition Government will get Muswellbrook back on track.”
On Monday, Joyce also pledged $5 million towards improving mobile phone coverage in the Upper Hunter and Yetman districts. The investment aims to address longstanding black spots in areas such as Gundy, Bunnan and Rouchel, where residents have faced unreliable or non-existent mobile service.
“Digital connectivity is now an essential part of how we work, learn, stay safe and remain in contact with family and friends,” said Shadow Minister for Communications, Melissa McIntosh MP.
“The Coalition will continue to invest in telecommunications infrastructure as part of our plan to strengthen local communities and to get Australia back on track.”
Joyce echoed those concerns, stressing the need for reliable mobile access in emergency situations.
“Being able to ring 000 where there is a bushfire is an essential need for everybody,” Mr Joyce said.
“Anyone stranded on the side of the road needs to feel safe by having phone coverage. Mobile coverage should not be determined by what your postcode is.”
Mr Joyce also announced funding for lights at the football field in Glen Innes last week, and is expected to make another announcement in Tamworth today, alongside Mayor Russell Webb.
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