The NSW Government will provide $1 million to support upgrades and maintenance at Penrose Park Recreation Reserve at Silverton.
$500,000 will be provided this financial year and a further $500,000 next financial year under the government’s COVID-19 stimulus program.
“This $1 million stimulus funding is fantastic news for Penrose Park which is a popular recreational drawcard for local residents, day-trippers and campers thanks to its natural outback setting,” Upper House MP Sam Farraway said.
“This contribution will allow improvement works to be undertaken as well as support the park’s ongoing maintenance for the benefit of the Silverton and Broken Hill communities as well as tourists visiting the Far West.”
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Crown Lands which manages the Crown land reserve will aim to use the funding to prioritise critical infrastructure upgrades to electrical systems, water and waste management and camp facilities.
The department will consult with the community on the allocation of any residual funding for other improvements to amenities once essential upgrade work is done.
Among potential upgrades on the wish-list include improvements to bunkhouses, kitchens, sports grounds and online booking and payment systems to streamline park administration.
These works will complement ongoing equipment upgrades and repairs at the park undertaken by the department. Recent work has included upgrades to electricity connections, removal of dangerous tree limbs, site clean-up, and repairs to playground equipment. A solar power system has also been installed to reduce power costs and the site’s carbon footprint.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the COVID-19 stimulus program was upgrading important community infrastructure while supporting jobs and local economies.
“The NSW Government has announced $39.1 million for spring stimulus spending that will be rolled out for infrastructure improvements across the State to provide a boost for communities facing tough times during 2020,” Minister Pavey said.
“Projects will create work for regional companies and tradies and many will help bring in customers and much needed tourism for small businesses which have struggled with everything this year from floods, to fires to COVID.”
