Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan says community connectivity is at the heart of a $3.439 million funding boost for the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

The funding was made available under the government’s new $500 million Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

He said the program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Councils are building and upgrading important community infrastructure that will provide a lasting benefit for their regions,” Mr Conaghan said.

“This program also improves our regional roads, making them safer for all road users.”

The funding will be used to upgrade a number of recreational facilities that keep residents and visitors healthy and active, and to provide spaces to build social connections.

Mr Conaghan said connections will also be improved with upgrades planned throughout our region’s road network and pedestrian pathways.

Council Mayor Peta Pinson welcomed the funding announcement, noting the benefits the funding brings to our community.

“Providing accessibility and facilities for all members of our community is a high priority for Council, and I’m delighted that this new program of works focuses on making us a more inclusive, healthy, and vibrant community.

Mr Conaghan said councils are building and upgrading important community infrastructure that will provide a lasting benefit. This program also improves our regional roads, making them safer for all road users.”

The projects to be delivered under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program are: North Shore Improved Connections – North Shore $960,000; Kerb and Gutter Installations – Port Macquarie  $550,000; Wayne Richards Park Bike Track Upgrade – Port Macquarie $350,000; Council Carparks Resurfacing – Wauchope and Port Macquarie $150,000; Town Beach Reserve Basketball Court $70,000; Log Wharf Reserve Upgrade $50,000.

Projects funded under the LRCI in the Lyne electorate include: Beechwood Pedestrian Upgrades – Beechwood  $480,000; Laurieton Sports Complex Upgrades $350,000; Kendall Tennis Club Upgrade $150,000; Pioneer Park Upgrade – Comboyne  $100,000; Long Flat Recreation Grounds Upgrade $100,000; Lake Cathie Community Reserve Basketball Court $70,000; Bonny Hills Reserves Master Plan Improvements $59,640.