Media Releases

Member for Dubbo Troy Grant visited Ballimore today to look over the progress being made with the upgrade of the Golden Highway and Gowan Road intersection. The work, due for completion this September, is being undertaken courtesy of a $1.4 million state budget allocation for improvements to traffic flow and the removal of the notorious black spot.

"Road safety is a high priority especially when it involves large traffic volumes and school children," said Mr Grant.

"Having spoken to a number of locals about this issue last year, I was determined to ensure that the funding required to improve the road would be delivered".

"School buses frequently use this intersection and by improving the road surface, it should go a long way towards ensuring the children's safety.

The Member for Dubbo also inspected work on the construction of new toilet facilities in Thelma Pelosi Park. This has come about courtesy of a NSW Government Community Building Partnership Grant.

Mr Grant's Ballimore visit also afforded him the opportunity to meet with a number of local residents to discuss community issues.

"Receiving firsthand accounts from Ballimore residents gives me a clearer understanding of concerns within the town," said Mr Grant.

The NSW Government will continue to deliver upon its infrastructure improvements for Ballimore residents.

Parkes Swimming Pool will get a two million dollar upgrade thanks to a generous loan subsidy from the NSW Government’s Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme, Member for Dubbo Troy Grant said today.

The $70 million scheme provides councils with a four per cent interest subsidy over 10 years on loans to allow infrastructure projects which languished for 16 years under Labor to finally go ahead.

Minister for Local Government Don Page said the scheme would unlock shovel-ready infrastructure projects for communities across the State.

Mr Grant said the Parkes project included upgrading the 50m and other pools, a revamp for the concourse, shade areas, tiered concrete seating and a supplementary plant room.

“I am delighted the NSW Government can assist to get this project underway after years of Labor neglect," Mr Grant said.

“Parkes residents will soon be enjoying all the benefits of modern swimming facilities and council will have the bonus of reduced maintenance costs.’’

Parkes Shire Council plans to borrow the project cost, assisted by the State Government’s interest rate subsidy under the Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme.

Mr Page said the projects covered by the scheme include roads, bridges, community halls, libraries, paths, parks, water facilities and airports.

The scheme is expected to give the green light to up to $1 billion worth of infrastructure across the State.

“Almost 100 applications from councils across the State were received for funding - a response which illustrated how dire the backlog in infrastructure was under the previous Labor Government,” Mr Page said.

“This scheme is a promise kept by the NSW Liberals & Nationals. It will create jobs, develop and renew infrastructure and improve the quality of life for the people of NSW.

“With the first round of applications complete, there is still $60 million to fund other projects across the State in future rounds of grants under the scheme."

Mr Page urged councils who missed out to apply for the second round of funding, expected to open by the end of the year.

NSW Treasurer Mike Baird said the Government was serious about building for the future.

"What we are saying to councils is that we will help share the burden on borrowing costs on the loans required to tackle the infrastructure backlog," Mr Baird said.

Aboriginal people can make a much greater impact on resolution of local issues by becoming involved in Local Government; the Member for Dubbo Troy Grant said yesterday when he spoke at the Local Government Aboriginal Network Conference in Dubbo.

Mr Grant- who represented the NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell at the conference- said an elected Aboriginal councillor can become the source of change in relations between the Aboriginal community and the local council.
"Consider this point, at most council elections in NSW, the percentage of Aboriginal candidates and councillors is less than two per cent across the state, less than the proportion of the state’s Aboriginal population," Mr Grant said.
"I encourage more Aboriginal people to consider a role in local government, and for the Local Government network to play a role in making this become a reality."

Mr Grant said we cannot overestimate the benefits of having Aboriginal people in local government.
"Especially with regard to the issues of heritage and culture, which as you know are critical to all Aboriginal communities. Irreparable damage can be controlled by the council, either as the approval body under planning law for new developments or as the body doing the works. The important thing is that councils take Aboriginal heritage into account as early on as possible."

Mr Grant said the Planning Minister has instructed all councils making new plans to conduct an Aboriginal heritage study first.

"Councils are also developing their own Aboriginal heritage plans that document the Aboriginal heritage study and set a clear process for Aboriginal community consultation and how Aboriginal heritage fits in with other council plans," Mr Grant said.