A jubilant Cessnock City Council secured $1.6 million to fund five key community projects under the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program.
It was announced on Monday 6 December, the Lower Hunter would benefit to the tune of $5.65 million following the rollout of round eight of the initiative, which has assisted mining communities since 2021.
City of Newcastle obtained $1,179,828 for the Blackbutt Reserve café and community facility ($879,828) and the University to City Centre Cycleway ($300,000).
Maitland City Council garnered $1,463,342, for the Morpeth to Walka Water Works shared pathway – Stage 2 ($956,480); the Lochinvar Sports Complex and Rural Fire Station – sewer connection and site improvements ($306,862); and a business case to upgrade the Thornton Road/Glenwood Drive intersection ($200,000).
Lake Macquarie City Council walked away with $1,395,299, which will go towards a Lake Macquarie Sailing Centre of Excellence ($120,000), a Learn to Swim business case ($80,000), a new Multi Court at Killingworth ($250,000), floodlighting at Douglass Street Field and Finnan Oval ($595,299), and a car park at the Rathmines Youth Hub ($350,000).
Meanwhile, Cessnock was allocated funding for the Millfield Skatepark extension ($314,688), Phase 2 of Rotary Park Kurri Kurri Concept Plan, accessibility and amenities upgrades ($847,701), the upgrade of Carmichael Park BMX track ($250,000), a business case for the Booth Park netball facility ($105,000) and a business case for Weston Bears Park ($95,000).
Council’s general manager Lotta Jackson admitted she was looking forward to seeing the projects get underway.
“I’d like to commend our staff who do such a great job in putting the applications together,” she said.
The Millfield Skatepark extension will include the construction of a transitional/street style skatepark, which will provide a unique rider experience with skate obstacles and features that can be used a variety of ways.
Phase 2 of the Rotary Park project features the upgrade of the existing public toilet facilities, the local bus stop area, heritage rotunda area, along with the installation of new pedestrian footpaths.
This project will complete Stage 3 of the adopted Kurri Kurri Commercial Centre Masterplan.
The upgrade of the Carmichael Park BMX track in Bellbird will include track enhancements catering for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders.
It will also incorporate supporting park infrastructure consisting of a shade structure, bins, seating, pathways and other ideas highlighted in the recent concept plan consultation.
The development of a business case for the Booth Park netball facility in Kurri Kurri will consider a new netball facility containing 8-12 floodlit netball courts, an amenities building, carparking, landscaping, spectator seating and fencing.
The development of a business case for Weston Bears Park will take in additional sporting facilities including new sporting fields, an amenities building and supporting infrastructure.
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