NSW Government Drought Stimulus Package providing funding for tourism in Coonamble

Tourism will be boosted in the Far West with the NSW Government announcing $439,000 to upgrade Coonamble Riverside Caravan Park under the $170 million Drought Stimulus Package.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro today toured the Coonamble Riverside Caravan Park alongside Coonamble Shire Council Mayor Ahmad Karanouh to announce the upgrade.

Mr Barilaro said the funding would pay to improve the caravan park facilities including signage, lighting, secure garaging and a two bedroom disability access cabin.

“This initiative will improve accommodation options in Coonamble and enhance the region as a key tourist destination in regional NSW, whilst providing immediate local jobs during the construction period,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Drought has had a devastating effect on the Coonamble community, so this development will provide quick economic stimulus and flow on effects for other businesses.

“This funding will help keep people in work by putting dollars into local pay packets, with tradies and other workers spending at local businesses to keep money flowing through towns when rivers are not.”

Mr Barilaro said the Coonamble Riverside Caravan Park redevelopment would continue to benefit the Coonamble community by helping to diversify the local economy and ensure the availability of off-farm jobs in the future.

“With the Warrumbungles and Pilliga Forest at its doorstep, Coonamble is a great place to visit for any trip through northern NSW and this redevelopment will mean the community is ready to receive families travelling through.

“Coonamble Caravan Park will be a first choice for tourists with flow-on benefits as they stop at tourist sites and attractions in Coonamble and other regional cities and towns along the way.

“I thank the Coonamble Shire Council for its commitment to this project and congratulate them on securing this funding.”

Coonamble Shire Council Mayor Al Karanouh said council are looking forward to transforming the caravan park into a modern, family friendly, accessible facility the community could be proud of.

“This is fantastic news – the Drought Stimulus funding announced today will provide work for our local and regional contractors and will deliver an immediate boost to our struggling local economy,” Mayor Karanouh said.

“It is going to allow Council to push ahead with the caravan park redevelopment which is a vital component in Council’s “big picture” plan to capture the tourism market and increase overnight stays.”

Mayor Karanouh would like to thank the State Government for coming on board with this funding.

For further information about the NSW Government’s Drought Stimulus Package, visit www.nsw.gov.au/droughtstimuluspackage/