The NSW State Government has released the funding under its Regional Growth Fund which invests in projects that facilitate regional development to enable essential infrastructure, support of arts and culture, enhance and build sporting infrastructure, improve regional voice and data connectivity, spur job creation and deliver local infrastructure.

The Council endorsed the following projects to be put forward for consideration under round one of the Stronger Country Communities Fund:

• Development of the Mehi River Corridor: $500,000 for works to build Moree’s greatest natural asset – the Mehi River – including a central looped shared bicycle/pedestrian pathway on either side of the Mehi River, improved amenities including installation of static exercise equipment, picnic tables, park benches and drinking fountains.

• Mungindi Civic amenity upgrades: $100,000 for a shade structure at the town pool, resurfacing of tennis courts and installation of static exercise equipment.

• Moree Water Park: $140,000 for earthworks and development of the ‘Mehi’ beach area and automated gate access.

• Boggabilla Sport and Community Facility: $140,000 for lighting and community amenity improvements.

• Ron Harbourne Oval: $100,000 for improvements to infrastructure.

Moree Plains Shire Council’s economic and development manager Mark Connolly said the projects were being submitted as part of the first round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund, with opportunities for business and community groups to submit applications for the next round in 2018/19.

“These local infrastructure projects represent true community partnerships and will improve amenities and help sustain the social bonds that the people of the black soil plains are so well known for.”

“I encourage sporting groups and organisation’s to begin considering their applications for next year with designs, quotes and plans – this funding really is a rare and unique opportunity for our Shire,” said Mr Connolly.