The Binnaway community and visitors today celebrated the official opening of the upgraded Pumphouse Camping Ground in central west New South Wales, in conjunction with the ‘Back to Binnaway’ weekend celebrations.

The Rudd Labor Government provided $45,700 to the Warrumbungle Shire Council for the more than $105,000 project from the $1 billion Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, said “The Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program is a key part of our Economic Stimulus Plan and is delivering local jobs in communities across Australia by building infrastructure for the long term.

“Importantly, during construction four local jobs were created as a result of the project. Increased tourism, generated by the upgraded camping grounds will also benefit local businesses, generating more jobs into the future.

Works on the project included installation of four powered camp sites, construction of a covered barbeque area and establishing a garden with native shrubs to regenerate the riverbank.

“The upgrades will cater for campers and caravans, providing flow on benefits to the entire community, through increased tourism,” he said.

Mr Albanese said that in partnership with every council in the country the Rudd Government is delivering more than 3,300 small and larger scale building projects like these, 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 in the nation’s history.

“The Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program’s remaining $220 million will be made available to councils in coming months, with the Warrumbungle Shire set to receive at least another $224,000.

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

“I congratulate the Warrumbungle Shire Council and Binnaway Progress Association, and the local community for helping deliver a much needed local project in Binnaway, helping build a stronger region for the future,” he concluded.