The rural towns of Gunning and Crookwell in New South Wales now have access to $165,000 worth of upgraded community facilities.

The projects were celebrated today over a chat and morning tea at the historic local Community Hall in Gunning.

As part of Rudd Labor Government’s Economic Stimulus Plan, the funding was provided to the Upper Lachlan Shire Council for the six projects, including;

• Upgrades to the Gunning Hall kitchen;


• Resurfacing of the Gunning Community Tennis Courts;


• Upgrades to recycling facilities at Gunning the Waste Management Depot;


• Installation of a shade sail over the playground at Coleman Park, Crookwell;


• Upgrades to the Crookwell Memorial Hall; and


• Upgrades to the recycling facilities at the Crookwell Waste Management Depot.

These projects will provide a range of lasting benefits to Upper Lachlan Shire residents, from use of the improved community halls and recycling facilities, to provision of a sun-protected play area for children and a newly surfaced sporting venue.

In a further boost for the region’s economy, 10 local tradesmen were employed during the building works and council estimates the upgraded facilities will attract about 50 new users per year.

In partnership with every council in the country we are delivering more than 3,300 small and larger scale building projects, including new and refurbished public libraries, sporting facilities, parks and playgrounds, and child care centres.

In fact, we’re making the single largest federal investment in community infrastructure through the more than $1 billion Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

The Program’s remaining $220 million will be made available to councils in coming months, with the Upper Lachlan Shire Council set to receive at least $130,000.

This additional funding will support even more local jobs and rebuild even more of the nation’s vital community infrastructure.

I congratulate the Upper Lachlan Shire Council and the local community for helping deliver these important community facility upgrades and helping to build a stronger region for the future.