The Minns Labor Government is investing $12.4 million into 38 locally driven projects on the North Coast to enhance community facilities and services and to help regional towns stay active, connected and thrive.
The projects are spread across 13 local government areas including Richmond Valley, Lismore, Bellingen, Coffs Harbour and Tweed Heads.
They range from new sporting and cultural facilities to council infrastructure and environmental projects and are part of the Minns Government’s $50 million Active Regional Communities Package, which is delivering 156 different projects designed to support local communities and regional towns across NSW.
The successful North Coast projects include:
- $997,917 for NORPA to deliver Stage Zero works for The Joinery in Lismore, transforming an under-utilised factory into a flood-resilient creative hub for workshops, training, youth programs, residencies and community arts participation.
- $1,000,000 for Tweed Seagulls RLFC to upgrade Piggabeen Sports Complex with a new covered grandstand and seating, improving spectator comfort, safety and accessibility while supporting regional rugby league events, school teams and growing female, Indigenous and inclusive participation.
- $1,000,000 for Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation to deliver the community-led Mudyala BRIDGE Program in the Clarence Valley, supporting at-risk children and young people through cultural camps, after-school and holiday activities, youth worker support and improved access through a new community bus.
- $1,000,000 for Koala Conservation Australia to establish the KCA Community Conservation Hub in Port Macquarie-Hastings, supporting education, volunteering, family, aged care and disability participation programs across its koala conservation sites, with accessible transport and facility upgrades to improve community access.
The State-wide funding is supporting projects ranging from major regional events and lasting community infrastructure to local activities, cultural programs, employment support, neighbourhood initiatives and practical services that strengthen social connection and wellbeing.
A connected community retains its workers and families, plus attracts essential workers such as teachers, police, nurses and vets that are critical to maintaining the vitality of regional towns.
The $50 million Active Regional Communities Package demonstrates the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to improving wellbeing in regional NSW by backing the practical, community-led projects that make towns more liveable, connected and attractive places to call home.
The Active Regional Communities Package is part of over $223 million being delivered from the NSW Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust Fund to provide strategic and sustainable investment where it is needed to grow regional and rural industries, businesses and communities.
For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
“People in the North Coast know what their communities need, and these projects show the ideas, energy and local leadership that exists right across the region.
“This funding is about backing the local organisations, volunteers and community groups already working hard to bring people together and make the North Coast the great place it is to live.
“Whether it’s a sporting facility, a local event, a cultural program or practical support for people as they live their day to day lives, these projects will create more opportunities to get involved and stay connected.
“Strong local communities make the North Coast a great place to live, work and raise a family, and the Minns Labor Government is proud to invest in the projects that help local towns thrive.”
Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin MP said:
“These projects are about supporting the places, people and organisations that make the North Coast such a strong and connected region, from local sporting clubs and creative hubs to cultural, environmental and wellbeing initiatives.
“Whether it is improving facilities, backing our volunteers, increasing participation or creating more welcoming community spaces, this funding will help North Coast communities deliver projects that locals have identified as important.”
