NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway has been hard at work securing funding for the far west, announcing a range of programs to be rolled out.
The NSW Nationals in the state government will provide $3.95 million to support upgrades to the Line of Lode Reserve at Broken Hill, $1 million to support upgrades and maintenance at Penrose Park Recreation Reserve at Silverton, and $600,000 to reseal the runway at Tibooburra Aerodrome.
Line of Lode Reserve
Mr Farraway said $1.185 million will be provided this financial year and a further $2.765 million next financial year under the COVID-19 stimulus program.
“This funding will be used by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Crown Lands which manages the reserve to redesign and extend the Broken Earth Cafe and also install a new water supply system,” Mr Farraway said.
“The operation of the Broken Earth Café is currently limited due to the layout and a lack of space so a redesign and expansion will allow the café to function more efficiently and enhance its food preparation and dining facilities.
“Improvements will allow for a new full-scale commercial kitchen and additional storage areas, new amenities, and improve the gift shop and function areas.
“During the day, the focus will be on the cafe and gift shop and at night a more substantial restaurant area will be available for tourists and visitors, as well as enabling conferences and functions to be held.”
Mr Farraway said the planned installation of a new reticulated water delivery system will allow for improved secure water supplies to the Line of Lode reserve and its facilities.
“At the moment the Line of Lode reserve uses a pump to transport water from the town water mains uphill via an above-ground poly-pipe to the site,” Mr Farraway said.
“The new reticulated system will ensure a consistent and reliable water supply for the reserve’s café and kitchen, water tanks, toilet facilities and grounds.
“This would provide a safe and secure potable mains pressure water supply to the Broken Earth Visitors Centre and support potential future further development.”
NSW Nationals Water Minister Melinda Pavey said the COVID-19 stimulus program was upgrading important community infrastructure while supporting jobs and local economies.
“The Line of Lode Reserve and Miner’s Memorial is a dramatic backdrop and symbol for Broken Hill and an important tribute for the more than 800 people who had lost their lives since mining began there in the 1880’s, so these improvements are great news,” Ms Pavey said.
“This latest funding follows more than $500,000 in improvements over the past five years to the Line of Lode including structural work to the cafe building, walkway and cantilever deck, and the glass balustrade on the Memorial.
“Other improvements have included installation of solar panels and lighting, fencing, the design of a water supply system, new bitumen paving and line marking in the carpark, CCTV security cameras, and directional and interpretative signage for the site.”
Penrose Park Recreation Reserve
NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said $500,000 would be provided this financial year and a further $500,000 next financial year under the COVID-19 stimulus program.
“This $1 million stimulus funding is fantastic news for Penrose Park which is a popular recreational drawcard for local residents, day-trippers and campers thanks to its natural outback setting,” Mr Farraway said.
“This contribution will allow improvement works to be undertaken as well as support the park’s ongoing maintenance for the benefit of the Silverton and Broken Hill communities as well as tourists visiting the Far West.
“The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Crown Lands which manages the park will aim to use the funding to prioritise critical infrastructure upgrades to electrical systems, water and waste management and camp facilities.
“The department will consult with the community on the allocation of any residual funding for other improvements to amenities once essential upgrade work is done.
“Among potential upgrades on the wish-list include improvements to bunkhouses, kitchens, sports grounds and online booking and payment systems to streamline park administration.
“These works will complement ongoing equipment upgrades and repairs at the park undertaken by the department. Recent work has included upgrades to electricity connections, removal of dangerous tree limbs, site clean-up, and repairs to playground equipment. There are also current plans to install a solar power system and solar lighting to reduce power costs and the site’s carbon footprint.”
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the COVID-19 stimulus program was upgrading important community infrastructure while supporting jobs and local economies.
“The NSW Nationals in the state government have announced $39.1 million for spring stimulus spending that will be rolled out for infrastructure improvements across the State to provide a boost for communities facing tough times during 2020,” Ms Pavey said.
“Projects will create work for regional companies and tradies and many will help bring in customers and much-needed tourism for small businesses which have struggled with everything this year from floods, to fires to COVID.”
Tibooburra Aerodrome
Funding will be provided under the COVID-19 stimulus program to support this important infrastructure upgrade for the Far West.
“Tibooburra is one of NSW’s most remote aerodromes and provides a crucial service for the residents of Tibooburra and other Far West communities,” Mr Farraway said.
“This $600,000 stimulus is great news as it will allow for an upgrade of the aerodrome’s runway to ensure a continued safe and secure all-weather landing strip.
“Runway resealing is needed periodically as aircraft landings and takeoffs and the baking summer sun take their toll on the bitumen strip. The last reseal was in 2016.
“The aerodrome provides essential public infrastructure allowing The Royal Flying Doctor Service to do a weekly clinic run to provide GP, dental, mental health and other support to the local community as well as emergency evacuations.
“Tibooburra Health Service relies on the Flying Doctor for medical and allied health clinics and to bring medical supplies.
“The aerodrome, which also has a second unsealed runway, provides the only all-weather airstrip to keep the district accessible when local roads are flooded.
“The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Crown Lands, which manages the aerodrome with the assistance of local reporting officer John Ainsworth, will engage specialist providers to do the resealing work.”
Mr Farraway said the runway funding follows over $100,000 in other recent improvements including new solar lighting to maintain 24-hour access last December, a new tilting wind mast in May to make windsock changes safer and easier, and new runway line markings in January.
As well as the Flying Doctor, the aerodrome is also used by Police, Fire and Rescue, State Emergency Service, the Flying Padre, Australian Plague Locust Commission, Moomba Gas Pipeline, tourism operators and the district’s residents.
“These upgrades will ensure the aerodrome continues serving rural residents near the borders of NSW, Queensland and South Australia,” Mr Farraway said.
