$1.5 million economic boost for Warren
14 July 2021
The Warren community will benefit from new and improved facilities, thanks to $1.5 million in funding from the Federal Government.
Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton today joined Warren Shire Council Mayor Milton Quigley on a tour of the four projects being funded under Round 3 of the Coalition Government’s Economic Development Program.
The funding for Warren Shire Council includes:
- $500,000 for the Carter Oval Sports Lighting Project
- $500,000 for the Monkeygar Creek Macquarie Marshes Bird Viewing Project
- $250,000 for water reservoirs and grain silos murals
- $250,000 for the Warren Showground Racecourse Improvement Program
Mr Coulton said these projects will enhance tourism to Warren, providing a significant economic boost to the town.
“I’m pleased that this funding will allow Warren Shire Council to undergo four major projects to attract more visitors and increase sporting opportunities in the area,” Mr Coulton said.
“The bird viewing platform will enhance the walkway at the RAMSAR-listed Macquarie Marshes, and the construction of a parking area for buses, caravans and RVs will allow more people to visit this area of environmental significance.
“The addition of murals on silos and water reservoirs across the shire will add to tourism, further enhancing the wider region’s silo art trail which is becoming increasingly popular with tourists.
“The installation of new lighting at the Carter Oval Youth Sports Precinct and upgrades to the facilities at Warren Showground and Racecourse will allow Warren to stage more sporting and community events, attracting visitors from across the state and interstate and creating significant economic stimulus.
“Each of the projects that have been successful so far under Round 3 will help communities by using local suppliers and resources as well as through local knowledge to drive the best outcomes for our region.”
Warren Shire Council Mayor Milton Quigley thanked the Federal Government for its support.
“We very much welcome this funding which will allow significant improvements to our community and regional facilities,” Cr Quigley said.
“Each of these projects will better our community with both new and improved facilities that build on what has already been achieved in the Warren Shire.
“These projects would never have gone ahead however without the financial support provided by the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program.”
Minister Pitt said the Economic Development Program recognises that local communities know how best to tackle the challenges they face, and what kinds of activity would support people in their own areas.
“It was great today to be able to get out on the ground and see firsthand how these economic grants will be able to improve communities like Warren for the better,” Minister Pitt said.
“The Carter Oval lighting project, Monkeygar Creek Macquarie Marshes bird viewing project, water reservoirs and grain silos murals, and the Showground Racecourse Improvement Program are perfect examples of projects that will create new jobs, increase the capacity of communities like Warren by diversifying and strengthening the local economy.
“Across the Basin, people have been dealing with the biggest water reform in Australia’s history along with drought, demographic change and commodity price change.
“This funding recognises the pressures that many people in the Basin’s rural and regional communities are under, and seeks to create new economic activity and job opportunities for impacted communities.”
Close to $39 million of funding has already been approved under Rounds 1 and 2 of the program for a huge array of activities-throughout Murray-Darling Basin communities.
Image caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (second from left) and Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt (second from right) pictured with Warren Shire Council Mayor Milton Quigley and General Manager Gary Woodman at the Warren Showground and Racecourse.