THE Grenfell Health Hub is moving from concept to reality thanks to a $950,000 boost from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), secured by The Nationals’ Member for Riverina Michael McCormack.
Mr McCormack was on hand at the official turning of the first sod for the project along with Weddin Shire Council Mayor Mark Liebich and General Manager Glenn Carroll.
Weddin Council will also contribute $1.8 million toward the $2.75m cost.
Mr McCormack said today’s official proceedings marked an important step in giving residents in Grenfell and surrounding areas better access to quality healthcare.
“This is a significant day for the residents of Grenfell and the Central West,” Mr McCormack said.
“The Liberals and Nationals’ Government is making good on its commitment to provide better medical pathways for regional Australians.”
Mr McCormack said the BBRF was used exclusively to provide money to projects outside the major capital cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra.
“The Turnbull Government has shown its dedication to improve services in regional and rural Australia,” he said.
“The BBRF is creating jobs and driving economic growth in regional areas throughout the Riverina and Central West.”
The $481.6 million BBRF supports the Australian Government’s commitment to build stronger regional communities into the future.
The program will fund projects in regional Australia outside the major capital cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra.
There are two streams of funding under the program: Infrastructure Projects Stream and Community Investments Stream.
Other successful BBRF applicants in the Riverina and Central West include:
Infrastructure Projects Stream
· $3.5 million to Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council toward replacing the sewage treatment plant at Gundagai
· $210,000 to House With No Steps in Forbes toward relocating its Aussie Biscuits factory to another part of town
Community Investments Stream
· $45,800 to Coolamon Shire Council toward installing concrete slab launch pads and a portable modular pumptrack to rotate among the Shire’s villages
· $19,350 for Eastern Riverina Arts to audit eight leading community-owned and operated facilities with the aim to attract more touring artists to the region
· $18,400 for Wagga City Council to commission a report to transition the FUSION festival to a sustainable event
· $70,000 for Forbes Shire Council toward developing an agricultural strategic plan for the region
More information about the BBRF is available at: www.business.gov.au/bbrf\