THE strong display of community spirit and passion has bowled over Moree Plains Shire Council, after it received more than 40 nominated projects for round two of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
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The SCCF is a State Government fund that invests in infrastructure projects across regional NSW communities, with the overall aim to improve the lives of residents and enhance the attractiveness of these areas as vibrant places to live and work.
Round one saw the State Government commit $100 million. Moree has received a slice of the pie in the past, with the Mehi River Corridor beautification project and Moree Water Ski Park.
Community organisations and groups such as CWA Moree branch, Botanic Gardens Committee, Parkrun and Moree Water Ski Club put forward suggestions like improving pedestrian pathways, enhancing sport facilities and installing better amenities around town.
In total, the nominated projects value at more than $7 million. The State Government has allocated the Moree Plains Shire Local Government Area a little over $1.6 million, 50% of which must be directed into sporting projects.
“The definition of sporting projects is broad, so that can mean improving lighting at ovals or improving shared pathways or a skate park,” Grants and Economic Development officer Susannah Pearse said.
Of the 45 nominated projects, MPSC has whittled down the number to 16.
“Council has a big shire to manage and they’ve tried to make the decision process as inclusive as possible. They would like to thank the community for submitting their projects: it’s good to see so many people with strong and achievable visions for the town,” Mrs Pearse said.
Included in the list are projects such as the structural improvement to council-owned basketball courts, electrical upgrades and fencing at Harborne Oval Precinct, improved equine ablutions block and male toilet facilities at Mungindi Racecourse and Showground Recreation Grounds, beautification of Youth Skate Park and basketball court, upgrade to Moree Regional Military Museum and retractable seating at Civic Precinct.
With the list drawn up, Economic and Community Development manager Mark Connolly was quick to point out this was no time to take things easy, with the application cut-off date set for May 4.
“This is just one of many steps needed to get the applications submitted to the SCCF. The Economic and Grants teams will be working in partnership with members of the community to complete the applications by the due date.”
