Tenterfield is set to get a covered stage and event pavilion for live music, festivals, markets, youth, and cycling events, after Angry Bull Trails landed more than $1.5 million in State Government funding.
The $1,502,087 grant is the largest of 17 projects sharing $6.95 million across New England and the Northern Tablelands under the $50 million Active Regional Communities Package.
The pavilion is expected to increase use of the Angry Bull Trails precinct and strengthen local liveability and economic activity.
“I have been a longtime supporter of Angry Bull Trails and its aim to create the best adventure tourism destination in Australia,” said State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin.
“It has the potential to revive the economic landscape of the region.”
Two more Tenterfield Shire projects were also funded. Tenterfield District Cricket Association will receive $100,000 to improve the capacity and surface of its cricket ground, and Bolivia Progress Association will get $96,910 to upgrade the amenities at Bolivia Hall.
“And our local cricket clubs and community halls play an important role in keeping people connected and involved in local activities,” Ms Saffin said.
“I congratulate the three organisations for their successful applications and thank them for putting forward their ideas for better infrastructure to benefit the whole community.”
In Tamworth, the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council will receive $999,968 to expand the Fresh Footprints operations hub. The project will support earlier intervention, mentoring, practical skills training, and transport for at-risk young people, while delivering community infrastructure and amenity improvements across the city.
Bendemeer Rodeo and Campdraft Association will receive $159,856 for upgrades to the rodeo grounds, and the Australian Rugby League Commission will get $100,000 for the NRL Food Bowl in Tamworth.
In Armidale, Armidale Rams Junior RLFC will receive $71,745 to repair its clubhouse, and Harlequins Hockey Club will get $45,000 to improve player safety and access.
In Gwydir Shire, North Star Sporting Club will receive $364,810 for safe amenities for all participants in sport at the venue, while Warialda Tennis Club will get $100,587 to restore its courts.
Armajun Health Service Aboriginal Corporation will receive $727,272 for its Linking Together: Regional Community Participation and Wellbeing Expansion Project, covering Inverell, Armidale, Tenterfield, and Glen Innes.
Glen Innes Karinya Association will get $52,324 to remove barriers to participation and increase safety for seniors at Glen Innes, and Nowendoc Recreation Reserve Land Manager will receive $100,000 to upgrade the reserve’s kitchen and water infrastructure.
Several broader projects will also reach the region. NSW Rugby Union will receive $1,410,408 for Rugby World Cup regional activation events, including in Moree Plains Shire. New South Wales Basketball Association will get $932,129 for a North Coast Regional Basketball Excellence Hub that takes in Inverell, Glen Innes, and Narrabri, and Novaskill will receive $88,074 for mobile carpentry training, including in Tamworth.
“This tranche of 17 New England and Northern Tablelands projects is part of the Minns Government’s plan to invest in local projects that make a practical, positive difference in towns right across the region,” said Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty.
“The people of New England and Northern Tablelands know what will make the biggest difference locally, and these projects show the depth of ideas, leadership and ambition in towns across the region.”
The package is part of more than $223 million invested through the Regional Development Trust Fund.
“Strong communities are the foundation of strong regional economies, and this investment will help deliver a more cohesive, active and connected region,” Minister Moriarty said.
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