Solar panels will be installed and other electrical systems upgraded at the Hargraves Recreation Reserve, thanks to funding of $14,443 from the NSW Government’s Crown Reserve Improvement Fund.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders visited Hargraves recently to announce the funding, which was met with excitement by members of the local Trust.
“Crown reserves in these smaller communities are often looked after and maintained by committed bands of volunteers, and it is vital that we provide them with support when it is needed,” Mr Saunders said.
“The group that looks after the Hargraves reserve has a desire to minimise the cost of its electricity supply, so by installing solar they are not only doing that but they are also helping the environment.
“There is a rich history in a lot of our smaller localities and people should be encouraged to visit. By helping the people who help us look after the reserve, we can attract people to stay and enjoy what is on offer.”
Hargraves Recreation Reserve land manager Lynda Lovegrove said the funding was a welcomed boost, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We survive on donations from people who camp at our site, but we have to have the electricity connected regardless of whether we have people there or not,” she said.
“Last year was extremely difficult with COVID because people couldn’t travel for a long period of time. By getting solar installed we can cut down on our power costs and put that money into other projects.
“We have a grand plan to try and bring more people to Hargraves to learn about our history, and this helps us to try and achieve that goal.”