Crescent Head will receive a new recreation and tourism drawcard after the Morrison-McCormack Government awarded $1.3 million for an 18-hole mini golf facility.
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said the project is the result of the Crescent Head Country Club’s successful Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) application and it would support local jobs and businesses.
“The mini golf club is a great project and will provide fun and entertainment for locals and visitors,” he said.
“The Nationals Government’s highly successful BBRF invests in regional communities and Round 4 provided a total of $207 million for projects across the country in areas impacted by drought.
“This innovative project will boost the recreational activities on offer at Crescent Head and it will make the seaside town even more of a draw-card for tourists.”
Crescent Head Country Club Manager, Colan Ryan, said the mini golf facility will complement the existing golf course and it will have a covered seating area and accessible access.
“Not only will this project provide a family attraction, it will help to drought-proof our infrastructure,” Mr Ryan said.
“Reclaimed waste water, provided thanks to Kempsey Shire Council, will be treated on-site and stored in underground tanks for later irrigation use across the entire golf course, ensuring it is green and lush all year round.”
Two community groups and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council were awarded funds in Round 4 of the BBRF for projects totalling $1,578,075. Garden Village Port Macquarie retirement village received $246,750 towards a sustainability hub and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council received $20,000 toward the town’s bicentenary event.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this funding injection to support 163 new infrastructure and community projects across drought-affected regional Australia came at a critical time for communities.
“Regional Australians have endured the devastating effects of a prolonged drought which has affected communities across the country for many years,” Mr McCormack said.
“In addition, regional Australia has withstood one of the most devastating bushfire seasons, floods and now a global pandemic – to say they’ve been hit hard in recent times, is an understatment.
“Their resilience will lead Australia’s recovery through grass-roots projects – creating jobs, boosting local economies and growing confidence in regional communities as a great place to live, work and invest.
“BBRF projects strengthen our local economies and drive much-needed local procurement, with thousands of jobs expected to be supported throughout regional Australia – delivering career pathways and enabling people to stay in the very communities they grew up in.”
Minister for Drought David Littleproud said it was important now more than ever for the Australian Government to continue supporting drought-affected regions.
“Through the BBRF, the Australian Government is continuing its long-standing commitment to regional Australia, making vital local projects a reality, driving economic development and creating stronger partnerships across our regional communities,” Mr Littleproud said.
“We have seen outstanding outcomes from the first three rounds of the BBRF and the drought-focused fourth round will continue that trend by funding critical local infrastructure projects.
“This latest round is an opportunity to support and work together with the one and a half million Australians affected by drought.”
For a full list of successful Round 4 projects visit www.business.gov.au/bbrf
Media Contact:
Mr McCormack – Tess Salmon 0467 740 017 | Hannah Maguire 0429 920 254
Mr Littleproud – Douglas Ferguson 0455 448 985
Mr Conaghan – Liz Spry 0418 928 744
