THE Minns Labor Government has delivered on upgrades in the rural northern NSW villages of Tyalgum and Urbenville, which will strengthen their capacity to host events and attract visitors.
In Tyalgum, 10 new all-weather camping or caravan spots have opened following a $65,450 grant.
Located in one of the state’s wetter regions with more than 1,150 millimetres of rain a year, the local campground has previously struggled with heavy rain forcing partial closures.
Funding has now transformed the campground into an accessible, year-round destination – crucial during the peak summer holiday season.
The government’s grant, combined with locally raised funds, has enabled reserve managers to remediate a flood prone area of campground by installing:
- Storm water drainage pits and plumbing,
- Six new electrical meter boxes with multiple power outlets,
- New taps, and a gravel ring road connecting the sites.
Urbenville has also benefited from a $39,216 grant, with a new canteen and shelter at the showground.
Managers had previously relied on hired tents to cater for events, which saw the showground become relatively disused.
Since the upgrade, the new facility has helped support events including the Urbenville Camp draft and Bull Ride, with the number of visitors nearly doubling the town’s population of just over 330 residents.
The Reserve Land Manager also raised additional funds to erect a shelter, barbeques, tables and bin enclosures to put the finishing touches on the upgrade.
The Urbenville showground is now a real asset for the village, with added appeal for visitors and events that provide flow-on benefits for the local economy.
The works are funded through the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, which helps Crown Land managers repair, maintain, and improve reserves. The program delivers direct benefits to local communities and economies, contributing to the state’s overall sporting and recreational life.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“The Minns Labor Government is focused on building better communities and investing in our regions.
“Grants like these provide vital support for local communities who rely on their amazing natural beauty and towns to attract visitors and thrive.
“The Tyalgum campground upgrades, and new Urbenville canteen and shelter, are great examples of maintaining and uplifting the infrastructure for the villages and its local communities.”
Minister for Recovery and the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:
“People love the natural beauty of the North Coast – both locals and visitors alike.
“We are building back better to protect the natural environment and improve recreational facilities so that they can be used all year round.”
Tyalgum Public Recreation Reserve Chair Mic Julien said:
“We’re very grateful to Crown Lands for this grant, which has made a huge difference to the campground, and ultimately, to the whole community.
“Previously, caretakers would have to decline a third of bookings during the peak holiday period.
“Recent heavy rains have tested and proven the success of the works, and the campground has been fully occupied over the holidays. We’re delighted.”
Urbenville Reserve Land Manager Secretary and Treasurer Diana Payne said:
“The funding from Crown Lands has been a significant boost to this community which, like so many small villages, can only survive through tourism.
“The new building has enabled us to have events so we can fundraise and showcase our gorgeous mountains, farmland and forests to campers and tourists. We’ve hosted a bull ride, and we’ve been approached by endurance riders for a competitive trail ride.
“It’s really brought us together and helped turn things around.”
