Over $21 million to transform New South Wales’ regional cities

The Albanese Government is building Australia’s future by delivering social infrastructure that connects communities, boosts economies and transforms Australia’s regions.

Today we are announcing four projects will share in over $21 million to create new and revitalise existing town precincts across regional New South Wales. 

In Cessnock, over $14 million is going towards transforming the underutilised Apex Park into a thriving precinct connecting local businesses, community groups, service providers and the Cessnock Pool recreation area.

The new precinct will transform Cessnock for locals and visitors alike, shaping the future of the town and strengthening its role as a tourism gateway to the Hunter Valley region.

Further west, we’re investing $2 million into the Mid-Western Regional Council’s Mortimer Street Precinct to revitalise the south-eastern section of the Mudgee CBD. 

The project will deliver plans to accommodate a hotel, residential apartments, commercial shops, restaurants, car parks, green spaces and designated pedestrian connections. It will enable the precinct to progress to Development Application and investment.

Bathurst Regional Council’s Connected Regional Neighbourhoods project will receive $1.7 million to develop a comprehensive business case, master plan and concept designs to reinvigorate the Bathurst CBD. 

The project will set a benchmark for the use of smart, sustainable technologies in a regional city, incorporating active transport infrastructure and streetscape enhancements to attract investment into the town.

In Cobar, almost $3.5 million will deliver the design and planning works for the council’s Grand Precinct, getting it up to construction and tender-ready status. 

The project will transform the town by redesigning the Grand Hotel into a cultural-commercial hub, upgrading the library with enhanced services, restoring the town hall for multi-purpose use, adding senior housing and improving streetscapes. 

These projects showcase the Government’s commitment to listening to, and working with, local communities, and addressing regional needs.

They are funded through the Albanese Government’s regional Precincts and Partnership Program, which provides investment to transform regional, rural and remote places. 

The program is investing $47.9 million to support the transformation of seven precincts across New South Wales. For more information, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/regional. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King: 

“Precincts like this not only give the community a space to gather and visitors a space to enjoy, but they transform towns by boosting local economies and shaping the everyday lives of locals.

“The regional Precincts and Partnerships program is about revitalising underutilised spaces to enhance regional cities and towns – working collaboratively across government, community and with the private sector. 

“We are listening to communities across regional New South Wales and boosting local economies by strengthening community infrastructure.”
 
Quotes attributable to Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi: 

“This investment is a game-changer for Cessnock, ensuring our region continues to grow, attract visitors, and provide better amenities for locals.

“Our community has been asking for these improvements, and I’m proud to be delivering real outcomes that will make a lasting difference.

“The Albanese Government is committed to supporting regional New South Wales, and this funding will help build a stronger, more connected future for Cessnock and beyond.”