THE Minns Government is investing $11.5 million into six Northern Rivers projects as part of funding from the Government’s Regional Development Trust Community Investment Program which focuses on providing funding for projects that demonstrate community benefits.
This is part of the Minns Government’s plan to drive economic development and support job creation in regional NSW based on merit rather than political patronage.
Together with the co-contributions from the six successful Northern Rivers applicants, these projects will inject a total of $17.7 million into ventures ranging from a new flood resistant athletic track in Lismore, funding to revitalise Tweed Head’s CBD, a major new cold storage facility in Casino and programs to create better jobs for Indigenous workers.
The six initial projects announced for funding include:
- $3,672,000 for Southern Cross University in Lismore to build the Southern Cross Regional Athletics Facility which will benefit local schools, clubs, elite athletes and the broader community.
- $4,089,704 for McCaughey Investments Pty Ltd in Casino to establish a regional cold storage facility with over 1,000 pallet capacity with chill and blast freeze capabilities that will provide a nation-wide distribution service for local businesses, better market access and increased food security.
- $1,500,000 for Tweed Shire Council to revitalise its city’s CBD. The project will transform the border town into a safer and attractive centre and will support the local economy by attracting and retaining visitors, residents and new businesses.
- $982,726 for the Jagun Alliance Aboriginal Corporation to develop cultural land management practices and support Aboriginal economic development on Bundjalung Country. The project will strengthen economic partnerships between local businesses and Aboriginal-led enterprises creating better jobs within the Indigenous community.
- $831,024 for the Taree Universities Campus to build local workforce capacity, address workforce shortages and improve access to skills and training. The project will attract new workers to the region through relocation services, higher education advice, and cultural connection providing urgent short-term workforce shortage and knowledge relief.
- $467,274 for the Waarugirr Indigenous Corporation to establish and develop outdoor industry skills for Aboriginal communities in and around Bowraville. The project will help train local Indigenous workers for better and more highly paid jobs.
Further announcements regarding other successful projects from the Regional Development Trust will be made in the coming months.
This funding is part of the NSW Government’s approach to delivering sustainable and strategic investment with a focus on priorities that make a difference to regional communities.
Investments from the Regional Development Trust are independently reviewed and endorsed by the Regional Development Advisory Council which provides independent expert advice to guide decision making.
For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
“The Minns Labor Government is investing in regional NSW projects that demonstrate community benefits, generate investment and create regional jobs. These projects will be of enormous benefit for the Northern Rivers communities.
“The Regional Development Trust is a new way of approaching funding for regional economic development projects.
“Projects that receive funding are based on merit, are subject to rigorous scrutiny and must shows community benefit.
Minister for Recovery, Small Business and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:
“This REDCIP funding is great news for Lismore, Casino, Taree, Bowraville, Tweed and the Northern Rivers; delivering shovel ready projects that will provide much needed services and infrastructure, particularly as our region continues its recovery and parts of it are just beginning “.
“Economic development and stimulus is key to jobs and sustainable industry growth.”
“These projects will provide amenities for students and athletes, support our local Aboriginal communities and revitalise the Tweed CBD and attract visitors, provide further educational opportunities all of which will stimulate the local economy and help create local jobs.”
Photo: Elite athletes and Lismore Mayor Cr Steve Krieg join Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty MLC and Minister for Recovery, Small Business and the North Coast Janelle Saffin at Maurie Ryan Oval to celebrate news that a flood-resistant athletics track will be built at Southern Cross University’s Lismore Campus.
