Mulwala projects among $9 million Federation fund

Funding for an all abilities playground in Mulwala and improvements at Kyffins Reserve is included in a $9 million cash injection into the Federation Council area as part of the Stronger Communities Major Projects Fund.

Almost $9 million dollars has been allocated to 15 infrastructure projects which will allow council to address many long standing community priorities.

The aim of the funding program is to support projects that create stronger and more vibrant communities.

The funding announcement was made at the Federation Shire Council meeting on Tuesday and included $855,650 for a Mulwala All Abilities Playground and foreshore upgrade and $197,087 to restore 2.3kms of walking track and 400 metres of fencing at Kyffins Reserve.

Administrator Mike Eden said the Stronger Communities Fund was a once off opportunity to deliver a number of important projects that otherwise would not have been possible.

“Communities have been working towards some of these projects for many years, so we are really pleased to provide the funding that will finally see them happen,” said Mr Eden.

An independent panel was appointed to assess the applications made under the major projects program and included Member for Albury Greg Aplin, Regional Coordinator of Department of Premier and Cabinet Trudi McDonald and probity advisor Malcom McLean.

$3.8 million has been earmarked for roads funding to help address the significant maintenance and renewal backlog that exists across the council area.

“The community have told us they want to see money spent on local roads, so this is a good outcome,” Mr Eden said.

There is also a focus on community infrastructure, with some exciting play space and recreational projects on the list. Playgrounds, skateparks, sporting facilities and reserves will undergo improvements designed to meet the needs of families and young people.

A number of projects are also expected to help drive economic growth and attract visitation to the area, ensuring communities are strong and sustainable into the future.

“Projects such as the new playgrounds and skateparks will promote the area not only as a great destination to visit, but a great place to live and raise a family,” said Mr Eden.

“Local sporting clubs are such an important part of small communities - so we’ve also allocated some much needed funding to renew and upgrade facilities that provide ongoing social benefits to the community.”

In addition to the fifteen major infrastructure projects announced, a further $293,680 was also allocated to community groups and organisations who were successful in their funding applications under Round 2 of the Stronger Communities Fund.

“We received 36 applications in round two and there was a real diversity in the nature of the projects seeking funding,” Mr Eden said.

“Each applicant should be very proud of their dedication to building strong communities and their efforts in preparing the applications.”

“The 13 successful projects ranged from wetland improvements and renovations for all abilities access, to relocating and restoring a historic engine,” he said.

A number of major projects will get underway before the end of the year, with the remainder to be scheduled for completion within two years.

Summaries of each of the major projects and a full list of round two recipients can be found on Council’s website www.federationcouncil.nsw.gov.au