Stronger Country Communities Fund Fixing Broken Hill's Patton Park

Families and tourists visiting Broken Hill’s famous Patton Park will have more fun than ever before, thanks to $645,000 worth of upgrades made possible by the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro today attended the official opening of the new park, which is now home to new playground equipment, new barbeques and brand new accessible paved footpaths.

“Patton Park is a much loved local destination and popular tourist attraction but it was clear it needed a spruce up and some new amenities, which is exactly what this funding has done,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Local kids have a brand new playground to explore with their friends and tourists travelling along the Silver Trail can now enjoy a great Australian tradition in style, throwing a shrimp on the barbie.

“The Patton Park revitalisation is exactly the kind of project the Stronger Country Communities Fund is designed to deliver and I’d like to thank Broken Hill City Council for delivering this project and their significant financial contribution.”

Work included the removal of outdated and below standard equipment, revitalisation of the park’s heritage elements, new toilet facilities including a change room and disability accessible toilet, paved footpaths and four sets of picnic BBQ facilities.

Broken Hill City Council Mayor Darriea Turley said the park will provide local families and tourists with a place to gather, socialise, enjoy the outdoors and have fun.

“On behalf of the community I’d like to thank the NSW Government for supporting this project through the Stronger Country Communities Fund and delivering a fantastic facility for our local youngsters,” Ms Turley said.

Mr Barilaro said work is underway on more than 1,000 Stronger Country Communities Fund projects right across regional NSW, with hundreds now close to completion.

The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the $1.7 billion Regional Growth Fund, which together with the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund is delivering once-in-a-generation infrastructure that generates opportunities, investment and jobs, on top of the NSW Government’s $1.8 billion in drought support measures.

For further information and program guidelines, go to www.nsw.gov.au/SCCF