The federal government is dividing $21 million amongst four projects that create new and revitalise existing town precincts across regional New South Wales, boosting economies and connecting communities.
In Cessnock, more than $14 million is going towards transforming the underutilised Apex Park into a thriving precinct connecting local businesses, community groups, service providers and the Cessnock Pool recreation area.
The federal government said the new precinct will transform Cessnock for locals and visitors alike, shaping the future of the town and strengthening its role as a tourism gateway to the Hunter Valley region.
Further west, the government is investing $2 million into the Mid-Western Regional Council’s Mortimer Street Precinct to revitalise the south-eastern section of the Mudgee CBD.
The project will deliver plans to accommodate a hotel, residential apartments, commercial shops, restaurants, car parks, green spaces and designated pedestrian connections. It will enable the precinct to progress to the development application and investment stage.
Bathurst Regional Council’s Connected Regional Neighbourhoods project will receive $1.7 million to develop a comprehensive business case, master plan and concept designs to reinvigorate the Bathurst CBD.
The project aims to set a benchmark for the use of smart, sustainable technologies in a regional city, incorporating active transport infrastructure and streetscape enhancements to attract investment into the town.
In Cobar, almost $3.5 million will deliver the design and planning works for the council’s Grand Precinct, getting it up to construction and tender-ready status.
The project will transform the town by redesigning the Grand Hotel into a cultural-commercial hub, upgrading the library with enhanced services, restoring the town hall for multi-purpose use, adding senior housing and improving streetscapes.
The federal government said these projects showcase its commitment to listening to and working with local communities and addressing regional needs.
They are funded through the federal government’s regional Precincts and Partnership Program, which provides investment to transform regional, rural and remote places.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that precincts like this not only give the community a space to gather and visitors a space to enjoy, but they transform towns by boosting local economies and shaping the everyday lives of locals.
“The regional Precincts and Partnerships program is about revitalising underutilised spaces to enhance regional cities and towns – working collaboratively across government, community and with the private sector,” Minister King said.
“We are listening to communities across regional New South Wales and boosting local economies by strengthening community infrastructure.”
Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi, said that this investment is a game-changer for Cessnock, ensuring the region continues to grow, attract visitors and provide better amenities for locals.
“Our community has been asking for these improvements, and I’m proud to be delivering real outcomes that will make a lasting difference,” Mr Repacholi said.
“The federal government is committed to supporting regional New South Wales, and this funding will help build a stronger, more connected future for Cessnock and beyond.”
