The Albanese Government is strengthening communities in regional NSW

The Albanese Government is helping New South Wales’ regions to thrive by investing almost $80 million in community infrastructure that will improve the lives of locals.

16 projects will share in the funding, which will go towards building or upgrading social infrastructure – such as cultural and sporting hubs, town precincts and parks – that strengthen community and boost regional economies.

This is part of the Albanese Government’s initiative to empower councils and local groups to build places to gather that promote connection and shape everyday lives.

We are investing $4.3 million in the Mittagong Memorial Hall Playhouse restoration to transform the old Playhouse into a fully-functional, fit-for purpose performance venue.

The project will integrate the Playhouse with the School of Arts and the old Mittagong Council Building to create a thriving cultural centre to draw visitors to the Southern Highlands.

Three aquatic facilities will also receive funding, including $4.19 million for the John Houston Memorial Pool in Hay, $9 million for the Tamworth Northern Inland Aquatic, Education and Health Centre of Excellence, and $1.6 million for the Grafton Regional Aquatic Centre.

We are investing $14.6 million for upgrades to the runway at Dubbo Regional Airport to help handle large aircraft and facilitate emergency operations, $4.2 million to Bathurst’s Ngurang (“noo-rung”) Arts Residency for a major performing arts residency at Ben Chifley Dam, and $5.2 million to revitalise the Urunga CBD for locals and visitors alike.

Other successful projects, which went through a competitive, merits-based assessment process, include:

$3 million for the Lithgow Mountain Bike Transformation Project
$15 million for the Orange Regional Sports Hub
$800,000 for stage 2 of the Leeton Roxy Theatre project
$1.6 million for the Murray Regional Art Gallery in Moama
$3 million to upgrade the Weston Bears Park
$8.2 million for the Angry Bull Trails Adventure Tourism Destination in Tenterfield
$600,000 for the ANZAC Park Playground Upgrade in Glen Innes
$550,226 for the Lake Inverell Enhancement
$2.9 million for the Tomaree Regional Community Hub

These projects demonstrate the Government’s commitment to listening to local voices and funding priorities that benefit New South Wales’ regions.

Today’s funding is on top of more than $43 million already allocated to 10 New South Wales community infrastructure projects in the past year.

This is part of the Government’s Growing Regions Program, which provides funding of between $500,000 and $15 million to local government entities and incorporated not-for-profit organisations for community infrastructure projects.

The Growing Regions Program delivers investment in infrastructure across Australia's regional, rural and remote areas. For more information, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regional-australia/regional-and-community-programs/growing-regions-program

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

“Our Government is building Australia’s future, today announcing almost $80 million will be allocated to community infrastructure projects across regional New South Wales.

“Quality infrastructure in regional areas is invaluable and this funding will build and upgrade key facilities that can be enjoyed by communities for years to come.

“As social interactions change, community infrastructure is more important than ever, which is why the Albanese Labor Government is investing in projects that provide spaces for communities to gather and rebuild social connection.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones:

"This investment will provide great facilities where the Southern Highlands community can come together."

"I'm delighted that the Growing Regions Program is preserving these historic buildings for future generations and providing a home for the thriving Southern Highlands arts scene."

Quotes attributable to Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick:

"Securing federal funding for the Mittagong Playhouse is an incredible milestone for our community. The Playhouse is a cornerstone of our region's cultural identity, and this investment will benefit not only theatre lovers but also local businesses and tourism by attracting visitors and boosting our local economy.

“Since its closure in 2019 due to structural faults, Council has worked tirelessly to bring the Playhouse back to life. With extensive planning, design development, and approval processes already completed, this project will address critical issues like structural integrity, accessibility, fire safety, and asbestos removal while incorporating modern audio-visual technology to create a world-class cultural facility.

"We are so pleased to see our efforts come to fruition and thank The Hon. Stephen Jones MP and the Australian Government for his continued support. This funding ensures the Playhouse will remain a vibrant hub for creativity and connection for the Southern Highlands community.”