Cobar Shire Council is set to benefit from $4.4million from the NSW Government’s revamped resources for Regions program.
Deputy Premier and minister responsible for resources John Barilaro announced the changes last week.
“Every year our vibrant mining towns contribute to the NSW economy, but this success can place extra pressure on local infrastructure or create unique and diverse needs that are specific to mining communities,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Mining communities and organisations told us what they need and we’ve received those messages loud and clear, which is why the revamped program will provide funding for a wider range of projects and make it easier for councils to secure funding.”
The NSW Minerals Council has welcomed the overhaul of the program with CEO Stephen Galilee saying the methodology is “probably the most workable way to ensure transparency and consistency”.
“While the program has delivered over $295million in vital infrastructure funding since 2012, we have been calling for a review of the funding and eligibility criteria for some time,” Mr Galilee said.
“The guaranteed allocation of $1million to 24 eligible mining-related Local Government Areas (LGAs) will also provide much needed certainty and is very positive given the variations in funding allocations that occurred in previous rounds under the old guidelines.
“Mining is an essential industry for NSW, particularly as we begin the slow economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic,” Mr Galilee said.
