Mining Resources Boosting our Regions

Media Release: 23 August 2022

Blayney Shire Council General Manger Mark Dicker, Cadia Head of Operations Thomas Lethbridge, Deputy Premier Paul Toole, Mayor Scott Ferguson, Cr Newstead and Cr Reynolds.  

Mining communities across regional NSW are set to benefit from increased funding with applications soon opening for Resources for Regions Round Nine, to pave the way for new projects that will improve local amenities and infrastructure.

The Blayney local government area will be receiving $8,167,154, which is in addition to the $13,262,340 received under previous rounds. This means the region has received over $21.4 million since the grant program commenced in 2012.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the $140 million in Round Nine will deliver even more projects that make a difference to mining communities and allow them to share in the prosperity that mining delivers.

“Resources for Regions is about giving back to these mining communities that contribute so much to the NSW economy by making them even better places to live,” Mr Toole said.

“The mining and resources sector is the backbone of many regional communities and this $140 million will fund projects and programs, such as beautifying main streets or upgrading critical road infrastructure, which ensure our mining communities remain great places for people to live, work and raise a family in.

Since its inception in 2012, the Resources for Regions program has delivered 242 projects worth $420 million to the State’s mining communities.

“I’m thrilled to announce this funding towards Round Nine of the program, which will see continued support delivered to communities, and reaffirming the NSW Government’s commitment to our mining communities,” Mr Toole said.

Resources for Regions is part of the $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure for regional communities.

The announcement of the funding was welcomed by Blayney Shire Mayor Scott Ferguson.

“This program has been very valuable to Blayney Shire by funding projects in the past including Stage 2 of CentrePoint, road upgrades to Forest Reefs and Carbine Roads, refurbished amenities and footpaths. I look forward to Council identifying the next round of projects we will put forward in this round,’ he said.

Cadia’s General Manager, Aaron Brannigan, said “We enjoy working collaboratively with Blayney Shire Council to ensure that our operation continues to support the economic and community growth of the Shire.

“It is great to see the NSW Government continuing the Resources for Regions Program, which means the communities closest to our operation benefit, rather than the rest of NSW. This is a great outcome for the State and for the Blayney Shire” 

Applications for Resources for Regions Round Nine open on 12 August 2022 and close on 30 September 2022.

Further information about Round Nine, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria will be available when applications open at: www.nsw.gov.au/resourcesforeregions

Media: Laura Van Uum 0409 674 781 

NEW ROUND: Member for Bathurst Paul Toole with Blayney Shire Mayor Scott Ferguson at previous Resources for Regions funded, CentrePoint Sport and Leisure Centre.