An iconic regional facility and $34-million-dollar project in Lightning Ridge has been given the go-ahead today, marking an exciting step forward for the economic, cultural and tourism capabilities of the western region of New South Wales.
Funding for the first stage of a new Australian Opal Centre, costing$20 million,will consist of a $9.5 million commitment from the Federal Government; $7.5 million from the NSW Government; $2 million from Walgett Shire Council; and$1 million from community and industry.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton was in Lightning Ridge to make the special announcement.
"I am thrilled to share the news that $9.5 million has been committed to the first stage of the Australian Opal Centre in Lightning Ridge, under Round 3 of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s Building Better Regions Fund," Mr Coulton said.
"I have long been campaigning for the Australian Opal Centre, which will revolutionise the tourism offering in Lightning Ridge as a world hub for opal-related knowledge, training and certification. This will be an iconic centre that we can all be extremely proud of."
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to ensuring Australia’s regions remain strong in the long term.
"We are supporting our regions through investing in important local infrastructure, as well as great community-building and planning initiatives under the Building Better Regions Fund," MrMcCormack said.
"In this round we are also investing more than $70 million in regional tourism infrastructure, to support those many regional communities that rely on tourism to bolster their economy."
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro, said the NSW Government has reserved $7.5 million for the project.
"Regional NSW is full of tourism gems - none more iconic than Lightning Ridge," Mr Barilaro said.
"People love Australia’s unique opal gemstones and will be drawn from across the country and the world to visit what will be a magnificent tourism centre."
Member for Barwon, Kevin Humphries, also believes the Australian Opal Centre will bolster the region’s tourism.
"This is a huge win for my electorate of Barwon, offering new opportunities for tourism, as well as a boost to the regional economy," Mr Humphries said.
Walgett Shire Council Mayor, Manuel Martinez, said Council has supported the Opal Centre project since its early stages.
"Walgett Shire Council is contributing another $2 million to this excellent project, and I look forward to seeing the benefits flow through the shire."
The sentiments were shared by Australian Opal Centre President, David Lane OAM, who said the project will be a game-changer.
"This funding will enable the new Australian Opal Centre to position Western NSWand Australiaas the world’s leading destination for opal- and fossil-related tourism, education, training and certification," Mr Lane said.
"It will be a catalyst for renewed economic and cultural vitality throughout the region, and I thank the Federal and State Governments,Walgett Shire Counciland the Australian Opal Centre's founders and supportersfor making this possible."
Nationals Candidate for Barwon, Andrew Schier, is looking forward to seeing the project evolve.
"I am excited about the endless opportunities the Opal Centre project will provide for Lightning Ridge and the entire western region," Mr Schier said.
The project will construct a new Australian Opal Centre as an energy-efficient, two-storeyundergroundhub for opal educationandtraining, certification,scientificresearch,artand culture. The new off-grid building will be designed by world-renowned Australian architectsGlennMurcuttand WendyLewin.
Fundraising for the final stage will take place while the first stage is constructed and opened to the public.
