Fairer Access To Funds For Mining Communities

Work to build better roads, better bridges and better airport facilities will soon get underway in mining communities across regional NSW, thanks to the sixth round of the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions funding program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro made the announcement today at Wybong Road in Muswellbrook, where motorists will soon benefit from work that will widen sections of the road as well as drainage culverts.

Mr Barilaro said 11 projects are being funded in this round of the program and will be announced over the coming weeks.

“$294 million has been allocated to 65 projects by the Resources for Regions program since its inception in 2012,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Mining makes a significant contribution to the NSW economy but the benefits can place added pressure on local infrastructure, which is why we created the Resources for Regions fund, to invest back in our mining communities.

“But there is plenty more to do, and I don’t want to see any eligible towns miss out, and that is why I’ve asked for a review of the Resources for Regions program, to ensure maximum support is provided to mining communities across regional NSW.

“This review will include consulting peak mining bodies and councils, examining the program guidelines and assessment criteria and providing recommendations to be considered for future rounds of the funding program.

“It is important that the mining towns that contribute so much to the state receive their fair share and this review will ensure that future funding allocations meet the needs of those mining communities,” he said.

Resources for Regions is part of the $1.6 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure for regional communities.