Earlier today Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson and Gunnedah Shire Council’s Mayor, Jamie Chaffey announced that Council had been successful in their application to receive $ 1.98 million dollars in funding under the NSW Govt. Resources for Regions Grant Program. The money will be spent on a planned upgrade to the Gunnedah Sewage Treatment Plant.

The grant program is designed to help communities build infrastructure to support mining related growth in Regional NSW. Gunnedah had been excluded from the grant program in previous years, being unable to meet the criteria to be considered ‘mining affected’.

Both Mr Kevin Anderson and Gunnedah Shire Council had lobbied heavily to have the criteria changed. This is the first year that Gunnedah had been eligible to apply for the program. Mr Anderson said he was pleased to see that the criteria which had unfairly excluded Gunnedah from the program had been adjusted as Gunnedah is quite clearly affected by mining.

“Gunnedah is in a unique position as one of the few towns with a population around 10,000 that is seeing strong growth.”

“We are focussed on ensuring that Gunnedah has the capacity to grow, has the industry to grow and has the right level of investment to support that growth. The future is bright for Gunnedah and for 2017 what a fantastic way to kick it off.” Mr Anderson said.

The upgrade of the Sewage Treatment Plant will support the projected growth of Gunnedah through to 2038 and is expected to cost $8.11 million. The State will now fund $1.98 million of that project with the remainder being funded by Council. Planning for the project is already at an advanced stage and is expected to commence in the first half of 2017.

Gunnedah Mayor, Jamie Chaffey was delighted by the announcement and said that an upgrade of the facility was critical in supporting the ongoing growth of the town.

“With the growth that we have already seen and are continuing to see in Gunnedah, this project just needs to be done. Some of the equipment that is being replaced in this upgrade is nearing 100 years of age.”

“The $1.98 million dollars which has been committed by the State will take some of the burden off us.” Mayor Chaffey said.

The economic analysis of the project shows that approximately 24 jobs will be created during the construction phase of the project and Mayor Chaffey pointed out that the Council will be working with the successful contractor to ensure that where possible, these jobs stay local.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.