MCCORMACK DELIVERS NEW SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT FOR GUNDAGAI

PLANS to build a new sewage treatment plant at Gundagai have received a huge boost from a $3.5 million grant through the Building Better Regions Fund, local Nationals’ MP Michael McCormack says.

The grant would allow the construction of a vital piece of infrastructure that ensured continued high levels of public health and more jobs for Gundagai.

“It’s great news for Gundagai,” Mr McCormack said.

“Many locals have raised the importance of this project with me for years.

“I am delighted to work as part of the Federal Nationals’ team in Government to deliver this much-needed funding.

“The new treatment plant will not only create jobs during the construction phase but in the longer term will allow for growth in Gundagai’s economy.

“Mr McCormack, who is Australia’s Small Business Minister, said the investment would boost local small businesses and create local jobs.

“I am excited to see more local small businesses grow with the confidence Gundagai has a sewage treatment plant which can cater for their needs and increased demand.”

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council administrator, Stephen Sykes, said Council would contribute $1 million to the project, the Federal Liberals and Nationals Government would contribute $3.5 million and the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government would meet the rest of the project cost.

He thanked Mr McCormack for supporting Council’s Building Better Regions Fund application.

“It shows he has a strong understanding of communities like Gundagai in his electorate,” Mr Sykes said.

The Building Better Regions Fund received more than 500 applications and the Gundagai sewage treatment plant was one of about 100 which were approved.

"I congratulate the community on its thorough Building Better Regions Fund application and I am delighted to have delivered this grant for the Gundagai community,” Mr McCormack said.

Minister for Regional Development, Fiona Nash, said she created the Building Better Regions Fund to help build strong communities for decades to come.

"I aim to help build the kinds of regional communities our children and grandchildren either want to stay in or come back to, and projects like this one do exactly that," Minister Nash said.

“After a competitive merit-based selection process, there are always those who were not successful and are naturally disappointed.

“We know this and we've got dedicated staff in the Department of Industry to give tailored feedback to each unsuccessful applicant to help improve those applications for next time.

“They can be contacted on bbrffeedback@industry.gov.au."

Mr Sykes said the Building Better Regions Fund grant allowed council to bring plans for the new sewage treatment plant forward by four to five years.

He said without the grant, the community would have faced a number of years of very high sewerage charges.

Mr Sykes said Council was looking to complete planning for the new sewage treatment plant by December and begin construction by February.

“There is now one less major challenge the incoming council will have to deal with into the future,” Mr Sykes said.

Minister Nash said she expected to open another round of BBRF before the end of the year.

Minister Nash will announce the successful applicants for funding under the BBRF’s Community Investments Stream – for projects designed to support a range of local capability-building activities – in the coming months.

More information about the Building Better Regions Fund is available at: www.business.gov.au/bbrf

 

Ken Grimson