Media Releases

Shelley Hancock – Minister for Local Government

Adam Marshall – Minister for Agriculture
Minister for Western NSW

Wednesday, 14 October 2020

Two Far West councils will receive a $12 million funding boost to build vital community infrastructure thanks to the NSW Government’s $395 million COVID-19 Local Government Economic Stimulus Package.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said Broken Hill City Council and Wentworth Shire Council had secured low cost and secure finance through the State’s borrowing facility to help deliver for their communities following the impacts of the drought and COVID-19.

“Under our stimulus package, the Government provided a $250 million boost to the TCorp local government lending facility to enable more councils to access low interest loans to fund new and upgraded infrastructure,” Mrs Hancock said.

“This multi-million-dollar funding injection has resulted in investment in projects that will deliver real and lasting benefits to local communities, particularly in Western NSW.”

Minister for Western NSW Adam Marshall said that this stimulus would be crucial for both the NSW economy, and for regional and rural communities, for some of which councils are their largest employer.

“These regions have been at the forefront of the drought, so Broken Hill City Council, Wentworth Shire Council and their communities will directly benefit from the stimulus package and I can’t wait to see their projects become reality,” Mr Marshall said.

Wentworth Shire Council will use its $2 million TCorp loan for improvements to sewerage and stormwater drainage infrastructure to promote residential growth.

Broken Hill City Council’s $10 million TCorp loan will fund redevelopment of its Central Business District and O’Neill Sports Park as well as an upgrade to Queen Elizabeth Park.

Broken Hill Mayor Darriea Turley said the TCorp loan through the stimulus package will provide a much needed boost for the city as the community continues to deal with the fallout from COVID-19.

“These projects will provide a range of positive outcomes for the city in regard to health, tourism, liveability, sport and commerce, and in turn drive job creation and economic recovery,” Councillor Turley said.

“Receiving approval to access funding through TCorp is reflective of the hard work we have undertaken to vastly improve our financial position and become a long term financially sustainable council.”

The Queen Elizabeth Park refurbishment will involve the relocation of the Penrose Park Picnic Train, a popular local family attraction since 2001, from Kintore Park to complement the construction of a train-themed playground at Queen Elizabeth Park.

Redevelopment of the CBD will include increased greenery, seating and shading on Argent Street, the creation of spaces for pop-up businesses, and integrated lighting and banner poles for advertising of upcoming events.

The O’Neill Sports Park redevelopment will focus on community inclusion through improved accessibility as well as upgrading Norm Fox Oval and netball and soccer facilities.

MEDIA: Nicholas Story | Minister Hancock | 0438 255 020
Connor McGoverne | Minister Marshall | 0408 185 304