The Minns Labor Government is investing in two projects to boost the South Coast's local economy as part of its plan to drive economic development and support job creation in regional NSW.
The Government's NSW Regional Development Trust program will fund $5.5 million, and the project's proponents will invest $4.7 million to deliver much needed training opportunities for groups of vulnerable young people in key growth sectors and upgrading critical infrastructure that will deliver economic benefits.
This funding is part of the Minns Government's approach to delivering smart investment, with local partners, to ensure there is a focus on priorities that make a real difference to regional communities.
The two South Coast projects receiving Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program funds are as follows:
- $5 million - Upgrade the key South Coast aviation hub - Merimbula Airport
- The runway extension will allow for larger aircraft to operate at the airport, benefiting essential goods and health services, boosting passenger transport opportunities, strengthening capacity for aeromedical and emergency services, and increasing tourism opportunities.
- The project will extend the Merimbula Airport runway at both ends, increasing take-off length from 1,602 metres to 1,800 metres.
- $512,000 - Training young people in key horticulture and land management growth sectors
- Deliver training in Bega in partnership with Kiama Community Colleges for 60 participants for the Grow your Future project where youth aged 15-24 years old, who face barriers to training and employment, will get the chance to develop skills in horticulture, ecosystem and conservation management, and business.
- In addition, the project will also deliver another program for youth aged 12-17 years to encourage disengaged students to engage in outdoor learning across 8 school terms.
- In total, 160 young people will participate in skills development for the in-demand sector of regenerative land management and sustainable business practices.
Investments from the Regional Development Trust are reviewed by the Regional Development Advisory Council, an independent body appointed by the Minister for Regional NSW to provide advice to government on investments that must aim to meet the interests of regional communities.
Further announcements on successful projects across NSW from the Regional Development Trust will be made in the coming months.
For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust
Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"This smart funding backs regional communities with projects that they have said are a priority and are ready to go, so that benefits can start flowing to those communities as soon as possible.
"The Minns Government is committed to demonstrating a new and better way of funding regional projects so that it involves local partners, meets a priority local need and has been recommended by experts and locals.
"These two South Coast projects in Merimbula and Bega will create jobs and boost local businesses so the benefits flow into those communities.
"The upgrades to Merimbula Airport will help future-proof the region in terms of essential and emergency services and position the South Coast to make the most of future tourism opportunities.
"The Minns Government is also pleased to be investing in regional young people, who are critical to the region's future. These programs in horticulture, land management and business practices will make a real difference to the those involved, providing opportunities in growing sectors."
