After almost three years of determined and relentless advocacy, Cabonne Council is proud to announce it has secured $2 million in funding through the Regional Development and Community Investment Program (REDCIP) to deliver a critical housing and land development project in Eugowra. This vital investment will support flood recovery and enable long term community resilience.
The announcement was made today in NSW Parliament by Premier, Chris Minns on behalf of Minister Tara Moriarty, following a question from Member for Orange, Phil Donato, highlighting the urgent need for Eugowra to have access to suitable land for residents participating in the voluntary buyback program - enabling them to remain within their community.
This funding outcome is the result of almost three years of leadership and advocacy by Cabonne Mayor Cr Kevin Beatty and Cabonne Council, with support from Member for Orange Phil Donato and Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin.
Cabonne Council Mayor, Cr Kevin Beatty said the $2 million in funding is another significant step forward in Cabonne Council's efforts to rebuild Eugowra.
"Eugowra was devastated by the November 2022 floods, and since day one, Council made it clear that recovery couldn't just mean rebuilding what was lost. It had to mean creating something stronger, safer, and more sustainable for future generations."
Despite a Resilient Lands Program being rolled out following the Northern Rivers floods, no equivalent support was initially provided to Cabonne's flood impacted communities.
Cabonne Council identified the need for suitable serviced land in Eugowra as a top priority, and pursued the highly competitive REDCIP grant to deliver a strategic solution and support recovery.
The funding will ensure residents who wish to remain in Eugowra can do so as safely and addresses the shortage of serviced land available for relocation within the community.
Delivered in partnership with the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Housing NSW, the project will include:
- Construction of Loftus Street, Eugowra
- Installation of essential services including water, sewer, electricity, and telecommunications
- Roadworks, footpaths, and stormwater drainage
- Landscaping and public amenities
The funding is in addition to the broader Central West Recovery Package, which includes the $40 million Resilient Housing Program.
"This isn't just about infrastructure, it is about people and keeping the Eugowra community together by giving residents the option to stay near their family and friends and ensuring Eugowra remains thriving and resilient into the future," Cr Beatty said.
"Council never gave up on this goal, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved.
"I'd like to sincerely thank the NSW Government for helping source this critical funding opportunity. I also want to acknowledge the strong support of our local member, Phil Donato, and Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin. Their commitment to our community has been instrumental in helping to secure funding for this very deserving project. Keeping the community together through recovery is our priority, and this funding helps make that possible."
Cabonne Council continues to deliver on its commitment to flood recovery through the implementation of the Cabonne Flood Recovery Plan which was formally adopted in 2023.
