Joint media release: Premier of NSW and Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW
The NSW Government has announced an additional $36,000 in funding for the Cobar Miners' Memorial for the use of shotcrete to give the monument a genuine mining feel, so that it appropriately honours those who have lost their lives on the job.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Minister for Western NSW Adam Marshall in Cobar to make today's announcement and said she was pleased to help see the long-awaited project come to fruition.
"It is important that the local workers who lost their lives working in the Cobar mines are never forgotten and this memorial will make sure they are remembered forever," Ms Berejiklian said.
"The Cobar Miners' Memorial is of great significance to the families of those who have tragically lost their loved ones and the community more broadly."
Mr Marshall said while it wasn't feasible to build the Cobar Miners' Memorial underground, this latest injection of funding from the NSW Government would give the project a genuine mining experience.
"The Memorial will provide the town with a place of remembrance, and it is only appropriate that it is as close to the real thing as possible," Mr Marshall said.
"I was here only in September to announce $360,000 in funding and turn the first sod on the site, so it gives me great pride to see this fitting tribute nearing completion.
"Now when people enter, they will be able to read the names of those who passed, and also run their fingers along the shotcrete walls. This site will help the community heal."
Cobar Shire Council Mayor Lilliane Brady welcomed the funding boost, and reiterated how important the site was to the local community.
"I appreciate the commitment shown by both the Premier and Minister Marshall to ensure the project is finished to the level that it should be," Cr Brady said.
