Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has backed a $300 million increase to the Regional Growth Fund as part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget.
Mr Saunders said this transformational fund will include another round of the $100 million Stronger Country Communities Fund, which was responsible for delivering projects such as the Wellington Caves Education Zone, amenity upgrades at Billy Dunn Oval in Gulgong, a new playground at Dundas Park in Narromine and the Soil2Soul program that provides opportunities to at-risk youth in Dubbo.
“The Regional Growth Fund has delivered vital projects to all parts of the Dubbo electorate. This new funding, announced as part of the 2020-21 Budget, is great news for families and businesses in our part of the world,” he said.
“A further $300 million will take the fund to $2 billion and this, along with the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund will see the NSW Government deliver more projects where they are needed most.
“It’s been a tough few years for people in the bush but the NSW Nationals are determined to support our communities while we get back on our feet.
“The extension of the Regional Growth Fund will provide once-in-a-generation infrastructure that generates opportunities, investment and jobs and makes Mudgee, Gulgong, Narromine, Wellington and Dubbo better places to live, work and thrive.”
An additional $75 million Resources for Regions round will provide vital infrastructure and support programs for mining towns and communities and the remaining $125 million in funding will be allocated through other regional programs, such as tourism and economic activation initiatives.
For further information, go to www.nsw.gov.au/regionalgrowthfund.