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Mining pays off for Singleton projects

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After numerous disheartening rejections over the years, Singleton residents and organisations finally had something to cheer about when the latest round of the Resources for Regions program was announced. 

Earlier in 2020, during a visit to the Hunter, NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro promised local council officials that a reformed NSW Government package would guarantee a bigger slice of the mining pie to the LGA.

True to his word, Singleton was at the head of the list.

And, the $4,571,283 windfall looks set to provide plenty of optimism for the future.

Representatives from the groups that were successful recently met Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen, Singleton mayor Sue Moore and council staff to celebrate their good fortune.

The NSW Government revealed the triumphant applications last month, which included 15 infrastructure projects and community programs for Singleton.

Many of the projects were driven by the community – and otherwise had long waiting times to see them come to fruition.

“We’re delighted,” Cr Moore said.

“Our LGA is the top contributor of mining royalties to the NSW Treasury, with an average $340 million sent to Macquarie Street every year.

“Reforms to Resources for Regions had been at the forefront of our advocacy agenda for some time.

“I’ve taken advantage of any opportunity to meet with the Deputy Premier to raise this issue.

“That hard work has now paid off.”

Mr Johnsen added the funding was great news for local, grassroots organisations in the Singleton LGA.

“It will go far to support infrastructure projects from health, water, roads, education and tourism,” he said.

“I know from our local councils and communities in the Upper Hunter that the funding from Resources for Regions is greatly appreciated.

“This important program, which was created by the Nationals in government, is an example of what is available to all communities in local government areas (LGAs) outside the Sydney metropolitan area that are related to mining.”

Cr Moore said this week’s function was a way to recognise the hard work that had gone into planning for the projects and preparing the funding applications, as well as celebrating the outcome.

Council has increased the focus on government advocacy in recent years; and reforms to Resources for Regions were high on the agenda.

“These are projects and programs that would have required years of fundraising, or that were a long way down the track on future Operational Plans for council, which will now be delivered in the short-term,” Cr Moore said.

“I know council staff have had difficult conversations with the community about open-ended timeframes on some of these projects, and it’s almost unbelievable that we are now in a position that we’re scheduling to make them happen.

“This is a significant contribution by the NSW Government and a significant achievement by our community through our Advocacy Agenda that is well worth commemorating.

“Again, I acknowledge and thank the Deputy Premier [John Barilaro] and the NSW Government for fulfilling their commitment to reform Resources for Regions; and in delivering a more proportionate share of the mining royalties from our area back to our community.”

Singleton Council’s successful projects and programs:

Singleton Rugby Club – Stage 2: $500,000

This funding is for the completion of the upper level seating section of the new grandstand. Over the past 50 years, Singleton Rugby Club has turned a sheep paddock into a national level sporting facility that is available for the community to for rugby and other sports, as well as to hold events such as Christmas parties, birthdays, charity fundraisers and family events. The new grandstand will increase capacity for visitors and spectators as well as open up the opportunity to hold national, state and regional championships and specialised training camps for all football codes. The project will enhance and promote the sport of rugby union and provide a fully accessible facility for many other sporting codes within the community.

Building Better Businesses – Business Advisory Hub Pilot Program: $250,000

Building Better Businesses is a pilot 12-month skills development program providing a business advisory hub and training/coaching programs for Singleton businesses. It aims to assist local businesses to develop initiatives that build resilience, capacity and growth, improving productivity, servicing new markets, diversifying offerings/customers, marketing and start-up support. The program will provide a navigation service to help access business support services locally and regionally as well as practical, actionable skills training, coaching and mentoring focusing on local challenges and opportunities, to build economic prosperity.

Broke Shared Footpath Project: $560,000

The Broke Village Project – Shared Footpath is a plan to implement a new shared path through Broke village for pedestrians and cyclists. The path will start at Blaxland Street, run southwards on Broke Road, through McNamara Park and along Milbrodale Road to link to the major vineyards on the road. A pedestrian refuge is also included for construction between McNamara Park and the village store.

Community Hub Business Case: $50,000

The development of a Community Hub Business Case including a feasibility study on the redevelopment of Singleton Heights Sports Centre to accommodate a single entry point for community services such as information and referral, direct access to outreach services, resources and facilities that support the population of Singleton Heights including children, family, young people, and elders.

Hamiltons Crossing Road Causeway: $600,000

The Hamiltons Crossing Road Project targets the construction of a new concrete causeway on Glendon Brook. Hamiltons Crossing Road is an important community link between Mirannie and the Glendonbrook area, which is currently closed due to the lack of a formal crossing at the creek. This project will also include sealing of unsealed road (approximately 2.4km), which is jointly-funded by Singleton Council and a Fixing Local Roads grant.

Howe Park and Alroy Sports Field Flood Light Improvements: $477,283

This funding covers floodlighting for the second field at Alroy Oval to include four lighting towers and the improvement of existing floodlighting at Howe Park to allow night-time cricket.

Howe Park Surface Renovations: $250,000

The renovation of the Howe Park Sportsground will provide an improved playing surface appropriate to the level of competition played at the premier cricket and football facility in the Singleton LGA.

Guide to navigating Mental Health Services Program: $150,000

A 12-month pilot program that brings services together to develop a strong and streamlined referral policy and protocol addressing service gaps and raise awareness of how to access support and current mental health services. Resources and tools developed will be clear, transparent and sustainable to assist navigating the local services system and accessing the right care at the right time.

Singleton Showground New Multi-Purpose Performance Shed: $250,000

To remove the old dairy shed and replace it with a new multi-purpose performance shed, incorporating repurposed local heritage-listed shed materials into the new building design. This new facility will be the only one of its kind that is fully accessible to the wider community in the Singleton LGA.

Wonnarua Healing Centre: $299,000

This project aims to create a safe and secure meeting place for Wonnarua and other Aboriginal people. It is proposed to open the centre for broader community education as well as Aboriginal service providers. There are also plans to provide future temporary onsite accommodation to support the Healing Centre in the future.

Singleton Golf Club: $285,000

The project includes improving pedestrian access and security along the Boundary Street side of Howe Park reserve through the provision of modern fencing and landscaping. A 100-year-old machinery shed will also be demolished and rebuilt to incorporate a workshop, office, and storage to provide a more solid and secure complex for Singleton Golf Club.

Singleton Worker Support Pathways Program: $300,000

The Singleton Worker Pathways Program is a targeted skills development program providing local worker advisory and referral services, accessible to all Singleton residents including youth, mature and indigenous workers. It will offer individually-tailored support to access the diverse career, training and job opportunities in the Singleton region. Drawing on a strong evidence base and local provider partnership, this is a proactive response to local challenges such as complex job markets, limited local education options, and intensive assistance for vulnerable groups. The program seeks to support economic diversification, long-term resilience and respond to downturns.

Singleton Neighbourhood Centre – Community Liaison Program and Worker: $150,000

A Community Liaison Program and Worker for the Singleton Neighbourhood Centre will contribute to community wellbeing by ensuring the effective and appropriate provision of emergency assistance to those most in need in the community. This role will increase awareness of and engagement with the centre’s support services to residents of the Singleton LGA who are impacted by disadvantage and the unequal economic pressures generated through mining and the related industries. Through this role, the Neighbourhood Centre will increase the resilience and adaptability of the community with the provision of targeted programs and support.

Singleton Defence Family and Veteran Employment Pathways Program: $150,000

This program is a targeted skills development project that seeks to enhance the relationship between the Singleton community and Australian Defence families and veterans, through the connection of employment opportunities and facilitation of short local industry-specific upskilling for Defence families and veterans. It aims to support local industry through connection to skilled employees from Defence families and veterans, as well as attract more Defence families to Singleton to aid retention and support local veterans.

Singleton’s People and Place Identity Program: $300,000

People and Place – Singleton’s Identity Program is a community wellbeing program delivered through seven creative activities that support community involvement, the promotion of local culture and history, and social cohesion. The two-year program, involving local artists and creative industry practitioners, will utilise photography, illustration, mapping, digital arts, painting and heritage archives to create a series of installations and exhibitions. These activities will occur throughout the LGA, encouraging community participation that will enhance the overall liveability of Singleton.

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