Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has welcomed the NSW Government’s $100 million announcement to fast track vital infrastructure projects in regional NSW to help local industries, councils and communities rebuild and recover from the impacts of drought, bushfire and COVID-19.
Included among the package is $25 million for upgrades to regional showgrounds, which Mr Saunders said will deliver essential upgrades to almost 170 showgrounds around the state.
“I have spoken to land managers of showgrounds in Dubbo, Wellington, Narromine, Trangie, Mudgee, Gulgong and Tomingley, and there is a lot of excitement around the fact that some significant infrastructure works supporting local contractors will be able to be completed,” Mr Saunders said.
“In our electorate, both Mudgee and Gulgong were able to hold their 2020 shows before COVID-19 hit, however this funding will mean works can be completed before a lot of other shows come back bigger and better in 2021.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the stimulus package is great news for regional communities who are continuing to do it tough as a result of recent events.
“The NSW Government is responding to the needs of regional communities and this funding will help to protect jobs, support business, upgrade infrastructure and support the regions’ most vulnerable,” Mr Barilaro said.
“I’ve been to the Dubbo electorate on a number of occasions over the past two or three years and I know the region has done it incredibly tough with the worst drought on record. “Now COVID-19 taking its toll, so it is important to all of the communities in the electorate that the government gives them the backing they deserve to get them through this difficult period.”