More than $630,000 will be invested in building and upgrading important civic facilities in Dungog Shire under a package developed by The Nationals candidate for Lyne Alison Penfold in partnership with local communities.
Ms Penfold said the investment would flow to five separate projects in Dungog Shire if she was elected as part of a Coalition Government on 3 May.
"Each of these projects will enhance the liveability and lifestyle in Dungog Shire and I've committed to delivering this funding after talking extensively and working with the community," Ms Penfold said.
"The Nationals are the only party that identify, work on and deliver projects that have their genesis in regional communities – we have our finger on the pulse of our communities and understand that smaller regional Councils can't always achieve what's on their wish list without targeted and strategic investment from other levels of government.
"By committing to these projects if elected to Government, we'll be able to get them underway as fast as possible while also easing the financial burden on the Council, ratepayers and user groups."
Funding has been committed to five individual projects within Dungog Shire:
Clarence Town Fitness Loop & Town Green Family Facilities Upgrade – $265,000
Works will include installation of fitness gym stations, new tables, seating and BBQs at the Village Green, construction of a 4km town walking and running loop connecting the Green and the Wharf reserve using trail and distances markers, and rehabilitation of the wetland walk.
Gresford, Orana Park upgrade – $100,000
Works will involve upgrading existing facilities to include covered seating with accessibility options, pathways from the existing toilets to the BBQ area and park boundary, solar lighting and park design.
Dungog, Leash-free dog park – $97,000
Works will encompass construction of a dog leash-free area within the Dungog town centre, and include fencing and facilities such as dog bags and waste disposal.
Dungog, Bennett Park lighting – $95,000
Works will involve the installation of solar lighting at the Bennett Park sporting precinct to extend its use and accessibility for the community and a range of sporting groups including cricket, junior and senior rugby league, touch football, local schools and residents. The project was identified as a through Council's development of its Open Spaces and Recreational Strategy 2023.
Dungog Tennis Clubhouse upgrade – $78,000
Works will include construction of improved kitchen facilities, storage, signage, internal fittings and a refurbishment of the club's meeting space and was identified as a priority through Council's development of its Open Spaces and Recreational Strategy 2023.
Ms Penfold said the package was part of her big-picture plan to create stronger, safer and better communities for Lyne through investment in social infrastructure.
