The Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP

Member for New England

Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs

MEDIA RELEASE

14 January 2025

SPLASH OF FUNDS FOR NEW ENGLAND RECREATION

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce has welcomed funding announcements for four projects across the New England that he has been advocating for with his colleagues.

Mr Joyce said whilst the announcements made today for projects in Tamworth, Tenterfield, Glen Innes and Inverell are welcomed to support the liveability of the region, they fall short of crucial infrastructure such as water and roads that he will continue to fight for as an ongoing push to reduce the cost of living, access to essential services and the growth of the New England.

“Since I was first elected as your Federal MP, I have fought for and received funding for crucial infrastructure projects such as Quipolly Dam, the Walcha Off-Stream Storage, the Tenterfield Water Treatment Plant, the Bolivia Hill Upgrade and the Scone by-pass,” Mr Joyce said.

“Today’s announcement of $9 million for the Tamworth Aquatic Centre is a logical progression of the Nationals’ previous delivery of $8.5 million for Stage 1 of the Northern Inland Centre of Sporting Excellence Precinct, which included the new indoor sports facility and construction of the synthetic athletics track”.

“However, the fact still remains that funding of $595 million for Dungowan Dam was one of the first projects removed under the Albanese Labor Government’s budget, completely wiped off the page leaving the mum’s and dads, farmers and our Council high and dry in planning for the water security of the City of Tamworth as we grow”.

“It is well and good to have water to swim in, but it is essential to have water to drink”

Also announced today was:

• $8.2 million for the Angry Bull Trails Adventure Tourism Destination in Tenterfield
• $600,000 for the ANZAC Park Playground Upgrade in Glen Innes
• $550,226 for the Lake Inverell Enhancement Project