NSW Government Drought Stimulus Package generating jobs and investment in Gilgandra
An industrial precinct giving local businesses the infrastructure to expand and create jobs will be developed in Gilgandra, thanks to a $3.9 million grant announced today by the NSW Government.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW today visited the site, which will soon become the Gilgandra Industrial Precinct where he announced the funding from the $170 million Drought Stimulus Package.
Mr Barilaro said the funding will pay for the infrastructure to provide electricity, roads, rail works, telecommunications, water and drainage connections to the precinct as well as upgrades to an intersection at a nearby light industrial estate and quarry.
“This precinct will leverage the opportunities from the construction of the Narromine to Narrabri (N2N) Inland Rail that will revolutionise freight transport, taking trucks off our roads and making NSW more competitive,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The precinct will ensure Gilgandra’s local businesses are poised to benefit from the work and jobs available from construction of the N2N and long after its completion.
“Once the inland rail construction is complete, this precinct will support development and growth of local industries including freight, logistics and rural suppliers that all require access to major road and rail infrastructure.
“Importantly, this shovel ready industrial precinct project will generate jobs immediately and attract investors to the community of Gilgandra, which we know has been severely impacted by drought.”
Mr Barilaro said the NSW Government is working hard to provide businesses and communities with the support they need in the face of intense drought, to keep money flowing when rivers are not.
“We are continuing to work with communities to invest record amounts of money into services and infrastructure so more people can realise the potential of our regions and the Gilgandra Industrial Precinct aligns directly with that goal,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This project will deliver immediate economic stimulus to the Gilgandra economy, through construction work for tradies and labourers then provide businesses with the infrastructure and environment they need to thrive once construction is complete.
“I must thank Gilgandra Council for their commitment in supporting the development of the Inland Rail and congratulate them on securing this funding.”
Gilgandra Shire Council Mayor Doug Batten said the funding will be met with a contribution of $900,000 from council to complete the $4.8 million project.
“This strategic infrastructure project will immediately stimulate the economy while ensuring Gilgandra benefits from construction of the Inland Rail and for decades after its completion,” Mayor Batten said.
“This project will provide work for local construction workers and suppliers across the region, who will in turn spend wages in local shops and invest earnings in their businesses, which is great news for the local economy.
“I thank the NSW Government for its significant financial support of this project which will help support our community through the current drought.”
For further information about the NSW Government’s Drought Stimulus Package, go to www.nsw.gov.au/droughtstimuluspackage/