The NSW Government is investing in three Western and Far West NSW projects to promote visitor economy growth.
The projects to be funded by the NSW Government's Regional Development Trust include:
$5 million for critical Broken Hill Airport upgrades
Broken Hill City Council will increase the maximum strength and weight capacity of its tarmac and taxiway to accommodate larger planes.
The improvements provide vital access to flights for business, education, essential goods, and health and emergency services for Broken Hill and surrounding areas.
The upgrades will also boost tourism opportunities and contribute to long-term economic and sustainability goals for the region.
Broken Hill City Council is providing a co-contribution of $1,000,000 towards the total project cost of $15.5 million and is working to secure the additional funding required before construction will commence.
The Council is required to secure all necessary approvals and the additional funding within 12 months to enable the project to proceed.
$1.8 million to develop an on-Country cultural centre promoting native food tourism and education
The Narrabri Local Aboriginal Land Council will develop the Narrabri Cultural Food Production, Education and Tourism Initiative.
The centre will be a barn style air-conditioned shed with storage, landscaped gardens, bathroom facilities, seating for more than 100 people set among three hectares of established native food gardens and river vegetation used for native food demonstrations.
The project will allow for partnerships with local businesses to manage a commercial kitchen offering native paddock-to-plate training and opportunities.
$1.24 million in infrastructure upgrades to enhance the visitor experience at White Cliffs Caravan Park
The project will see Central Darling Shire Council deliver essential replacements and upgrades at the White Cliffs Caravan Park including roads, caravan sites, solar power, signage, fencing and new landscaping.
The upgrades and improvement will ensure that the caravan park is fit for purpose for the long-term and continues to add to the White Cliffs visitor economy.
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said: “This funding will create jobs, boost local businesses and improve services for communities in Western NSW as part of the Minns Government’s plan to invest in smart projects that deliver long-term benefits.
“Funding to support upgrades at the Broken Hill Airport will mean bigger planes can land, helping locals stay connected to essential services and giving tourism and business a real boost.
“The White Cliffs Caravan Park is a key part of the local visitor economy, and these upgrades will make sure it will be well-equipped for years to come.
“The new cultural food centre in Narrabri delivers another unique experience and place of interest for visitors and locals who can get to better understand and see local Aboriginal knowledge and food. Demand for this form of on-Country travel experience and training is growing and it’s shown to also strengthen local communities.”
Member for Barwon Roy Butler said: “Maintaining cultural links with indigenous food production in Narrabri with a tourism angle, upgrading visitor infrastructure to encourage more people to visit and stay longer in White Cliffs, are all incredibly important in supporting local economies and communities."
Narrabri Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) CEO Lynn Trindall said: “I am over the moon with this funding, it will assist us in designing and building a cultural education centre where young people can learn about bush foods, medicines and the protection of cultural heritage sites.
“We know many people haven’t been taught about this and the funding gives us so many opportunities and we are so grateful. “We are also looking forward to developing a commercial kitchen which will provide training opportunities, food and future pathways for our community.”
Central Darling Shire Council Administrator Bob Stewart said: “The upgrades will benefit the Caravan Park by making it an even more attractive destination and will also boost visitor numbers and create economic development and employment opportunities across the Far West, including supporting First Nations tourism at the nearby Mutawinji National Park.
“We also hope to see economic benefits flowing through to the economy with an increased number of visitors shopping locally in White Cliffs and the surrounding towns.”
