Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has warned Richmond and Clarence Valley residents will be worse off if the NSW Labor Government fails to continue funding a key Nationals initiative that has delivered around $12 million for 50 key projects across the two local government areas.
“The Stronger Country Communities Fund was an initiative of the previous government, but that doesn’t mean the current government should scrap it to divert money to pet projects in its Sydney heartland,” Mr Williamson said.
“Dozens of sports clubs, swimming pools, playgrounds, rest areas and many other projects across the Richmond and Clarence Valleys have become better, safer and more welcoming to people with a disability thanks to this initiative.”
Recent grant recipients have included $1 million for the Albert Park tourist stopover revitalisation at Casino, $213,000 to upgrade Shark Bay at Evans Head, $1,453,482 towards the Grafton Aquatic Centre upgrade, $117,255 towards the upgrade of toilets and showers at Lawrence Golf and Sports Club, $143,698 to run creative workshops and exhibitions at the Iluka Emporium, $433,329 to allow Casino Neighbourhood Centre to expand its services and $273,586 towards the Malabugilmah community playground.
Mr Williamson noted that NSW Labor had said it is reviewing all of the previous Nationals Government’s initiatives for regional communities.
“But dumping our Stronger Country Communities Fund to save a few bucks would be a really bad idea, causing harm to local communities and even more harm to the Labor Party Government’s reputation in regional areas like the Richmond and Clarence Valleys,” Mr Williamson said.
“We don’t want that and I don’t believe Premier Chris Minns wants that, so I appeal to him to ensure common sense prevails,” Mr Williamson concluded.
