Tibbereena Street in Narrabri is set to become a vibrant cultural hub for locals and visitors, with the Australian Government providing more than $1.4 million for the Narrabri Shire Tourism and Cultural Precinct.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has welcomed this funding which was announced this week under Round 1 of the Growing Regions Program.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to see that Narrabri Shire Council has been awarded $1,483,112 for stages two and three of the Narrabri Shire Tourism and Cultural Precinct,” Mr Coulton said.
“The former Coalition Government provided $300,000 under the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program for stage one of the project, which involved the construction of a new amenities block and access pathways, so I’m pleased Narrabri Shire Council has now been able to secure funding for the remainder of the development.
“The tourism precinct will ultimately transform Tibbereena Street into an attractive destination for community members and tourists. It will provide recreational facilities to encourage passing tourists and visitors to stop and spend time, and ultimately their money, in Narrabri.
“Although the announcement of successful applicants for the Growing Regions Program was delayed by more than two months, I’m very thankful to Infrastructure Minister Catherine King for recognising the importance of this worthwhile project.”
Narrabri Shire Council Mayor Darrell Tiemens said Council is very happy to be awarded this funding.
“Investing in our Tourism and Cultural Precinct isn’t just about enhancing our infrastructure; it’s about investing in the heart of Narrabri Shire,” Cr Tiemens said.
“With $1.4 million in funding, we’re not only able to respond to community feedback on accessibility, but also lay the groundwork for a vibrant hub that reflects the rich diversity of our region.
“From agriculture to research, mining to sport, this precinct will serve as a beacon, drawing in visitors and bolstering our economy for generations to come.”
Narrabri Shire Council is one of five recipients of Round 1 of the Growing Regions Program from the Parkes electorate. The other successful applicants include:
- Brewarrina Shire Council – $10,069,524 for the Brewarrina PCYC – Youth Hub and Indoor Sports Centre
- Moree Plains Shire Council – $9,641,761 for the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre Redevelopment
- Dubbo Regional Council – $7,190,505 for the Wiradjuri Cultural Tourism Centre and Keeping Place
- Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation – $2,181,534 for a Community Cultural Hub Project
The Growing Regions Program provides funding to local government entities and incorporated not-for-profit organisations for capital works projects that deliver community and economic infrastructure projects across regional and rural Australia.
New pool for Moree thanks to $9 million in funding
The Moree community will finally get a new pool, with the Australian Government providing more than $9 million for the redevelopment of Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has welcomed this funding which was announced today under Round 1 of the Growing Regions Program.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to see that Moree Plains Shire Council has been awarded a total of $9,641,761 for the long-awaited redevelopment of the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre,” Mr Coulton said.
“The Moree community has been without a 50-metre pool for the past few years and this funding will finally allow Council to construct a new pool, in addition to a children’s play area, a new grandstand and clubhouse.
“This is the best news for the entire Moree community; it will mean that local children will once again have an operational pool to learn to swim, train and compete in, as well as cool off during Moree’s long, hot summers.
“For the past few years, local swimmers were having to travel 80 kilometres to Warialda to train, while schools have not been able to run swimming carnivals, putting Moree students at a significant disadvantage.
“Moree is known for its beautiful artesian water and thanks to this funding, the MAAC will be able to be returned to its former glory as Moree’s number one tourist attraction and a first-class thermal aquatic and wellness destination.
“This funding has been a long time coming, and although the announcement of successful applicants for the Growing Regions Program was delayed by more than two months, I’m very thankful to Infrastructure Minister Catherine King for recognising the importance of this worthwhile project.”
Moree Plains Shire Council Mayor Mark Johnson fully supports Mr Coulton’s comments and thanks him for his support in this matter.
“This is a significant announcement for our community and will allow the redevelopment of our most iconic asset,” Cr Johnson said.
For more information on the Growing Regions Program, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regional-australia/regional-and-community-programs/growing-regions-program
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