THREE local government areas each picked up $1 million cheques last week as part of the Cobbora Transition Fund.
Wellington has eight projects short-listed for funding after the scrapping of the proposed coal mine in the Wellington/Dunedoo area.
NSW Treasurer Mike Baird handed out cheques to Dubbo, Mid-Western and Wellington councils, while further arrangements have to be ironed-out with Warrumbungle.
The million dollar hand-outs were promised by the State government in recognition of the negative impact on economic growth to each area after it mothballed the mine instigated by the previous Labor government.
Mr Baird said the funding would assist local communities with investment in local infrastructure enabling job creation and delivering greater economic benefits.
Funds for Wellington will go toward main street beautification and smaller projects within the area’s villages.
The money is part of a $20 million Cobbora Transition Fund, which still has $16 million to share on projects councils and community groups within the four areas have applied for.
The short-listed projects were recently announced with eight Wellington projects named.
These included Rygate Park development, swimming pool improvements, showground improvements, rural roads package, upgrade of the Wellington Caves holiday complex and a Wiradjuri cultural centre.
Projects listed from Warrumbungle include Three Rivers regional retirement community and learning centre, Dunedoo; Dunedoo District infrastructure revitalisation; Three Rivers recreation grounds upgrade, Coolah; and Mendooran showground improvements.
Mid-Western Council projects included Mudgee retail precinct development; Fairydale and Saleyards Lane road upgrade, Mudgee; Red Hill mining visitor precinct, Gulgong; Mudgee Regional Innovation and Art Centre and Cudgegong River Park improvements and Dubbo has regional patient and family accommodation at the Dubbo Base Hospital.
Final announcements are due in June.
