Pictured: Resealing works undertaken by council in North Street, Walcha, funded by the Australian Government.

Member for New England Barnaby Joyce says Walcha is benefitting sustained local employment and a stronger local economy off the back of new community infrastructure projects underway across town.

The developments, funded by the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and delivered by Walcha Council, include replacement of fencing at Walcha Pool, improved facilities at McHattan Park, better pedestrian access at Walcha Hospital and on Blue Hogan Bridge, improved access road and air conditioning at Walcha Preschool, level footpaths at Lions Park as well as extensive upgrades of sealed and unsealed roads throughout the Shire.

Council is receiving more than $1 million over two funding rounds of this program, which aims to assist local communities recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Walcha residents will not only benefit from new community facilities and better roads from these projects, the increased economic activity will support local jobs and drive the local dollar further,” Mr Joyce said. “This is yet further delivery for the people of Walcha.”  

Walcha Council Mayor Eric Noakes welcomed the funding assistance.

“Walcha Council and the community are grateful for and appreciate the funding from the LRCI program and the benefits it brings to our town. These vital improvements are hard for small councils to fund and the assistance and lobbying by Barnaby Joyce is appreciated,” Cr Noakes said.

This funding complements more than $2 million in additional Australian Government financial assistance for projects in the Walcha shire to support drought and bushfire recovery.

(ENDS)