A total of 21 projects to repair community infrastructure in four severely flood impacted Central West NSW Local Government Areas (LGAs) have received assistance thanks to an almost $24 million investment by the Australian and NSW Governments.
The Community Assets Program 2024 has supported the Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes Shire Councils to repair, restore and improve the resilience of community infrastructure directly damaged by storms and floods from August and September 2022.
Successful projects across the four councils include the repair of flood damaged parks, showgrounds, footpaths, pools, sporting fields and sport amenities.
More than $8 million is being invested in Cabonne Shire Council for projects such as the relocation of the Molong hockey fields and the restoration of Eugowra’s pre-school, Memorial Park and pool.
Forbes is also set to receive over $8 million for projects in the Forbes lake area, including improvements to amenities and upgraded footpaths that will ensure the community can continue to enjoy this much-loved precinct.
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The program is jointly funded under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), with project funding to be administered by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:
“Communities in Central West NSW were some of the hardest hit by the August and September 2022 floods, and both levels of government are working together to help them recover from and prepare for future events.
“We’re helping rebuild community facilities like parks, sporting and recreational facilities to a more resilient standard so they can withstand increasingly frequent and intense severe weather events.”
“We know that there is more work to be done, and we are committed to supporting Central Western communities to not only recover but rebuild for the long term.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully:
“This shows what is possible when all levels of government work together in the best interests of communities.
“This funding is delivering on what it was intended to do – help Councils build back better infrastructure for their communities to enjoy.
“Repairing community infrastructure is an essential part of getting communities back on track while helping to build community resilience.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:
“For the four significantly flood-impacted councils, strong and resilient community infrastructure will be crucial in bringing people together and supporting the long road to recovery.”
“By assisting to repair, restore and improve flood damaged parks, showgrounds, footpaths, pools and sporting fields and amenities the Australian and NSW Governments are helping to rebuild both the communities and the vibrant spirit that makes them great places to live.”
“The Community Assets Program is not just building back for now – we’re building back better for the future by improving the resilience of these essential assets.”
Member for Orange Phil Donato said:
“The devastating effects of the November 2022 floods cannot be overstated, and the communities of Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan, and Parkes shires continue to feel the profound impact of this event.”
“It is encouraging to witness meaningful progress in the recovery efforts. This is the result of strong collaboration between local, state, and federal governments, alongside a number of their agencies.”
“I am confident that the newly announced funded projects will be embraced by these communities. Not only will they restore vital infrastructure, but they will also strengthen our resilience against any future flood events.”
