Parkes Shire Council has been successful in securing $500,000 from the NSW Government through the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF) and $300,000 from the Federal Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP) Phase 3. The funding will be used for the development of the Trundle Skate Park, the Parkes Pump Track and to upgrade the Parkes Skate Park.
Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF) Round 3 - Skate Park for Trundle - $150,000.
Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF) Round 3 - Parkes Skate Park Extension - $150,000.
Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF) Round 4 - Parkes Pump Track - $200,000.
Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP) Phase 3 - Parkes Skate Park Precinct Improvements - Funds to complete work at Skate and Pump track precincts and install CCTV - $300,000.
The Trundle Skate Park has been identified as one of the top priorities for the community of Trundle, through consultation with youth members of the community involved in the design process.
The professionally designed facility will deliver a freely available, year-round spot for the local youth to engage in healthy social activity and an accessible active lifestyle.
The Parkes Skate Park will receive an extension to the already popular facilities and installation of lighting to increase accessibility and safety.
Mayor of Parkes Shire, Councillor Ken Keith OAM said, "The Parkes Skate Park provides local youth with a free facility that helps facilitate friendships across multiple socioeconomic groups and age brackets. It is a huge asset in fostering positive health and wellbeing both physically and mentally.
"Now an Olympic-recognised sport, the Parkes Skate Park already hosts regular events and competitions, and this project will further support these events and will allow for use for longer periods, especially in the extreme heat of Parkes, during the summer months," added Cr Keith.
The construction of the Parkes Pump Track will add a new element to the Shire's outdoor spaces, providing an all age and ability course for bikes, scooters and skateboards.
Councillor Jacob Cass said, "Facilities like these are hugely popular amongst youth in the community and offer a space for them to learn new skills, build friendships with children outside their school and sporting social circles and keep them active and healthy.
"This is an exciting addition for the Shire, with the next closest pump track almost two hours away in Wyangala and Ungarie," added Cr Cass.
Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said he delivered the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program when he was Deputy Prime Minister to inject funding directly to local councils to spend on local projects.
"These projects are an investment in our local communities and, more importantly, an investment in our youth," Mr McCormack said.
"Parkes Shire Council received $6,632,212 through the LRCI program over three phases to deliver important road and community infrastructure projects across the Shire."
NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the Stronger Country Communities Fund has seen $500 million distributed to support community projects, benefitting the everyday lives of families across regional NSW.
"The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is investing record amounts to deliver the legacy infrastructure needed to stimulate regional NSW," Mr Farraway said.
"This $500,000 investment ensures we strike a balance in Parkes by backing grassroots projects such as this skatepark that make a real difference to local families and to the community."
Works across these three projects have commenced are expected to be completed in early 2023, weather permitting.
Proudly funded by the Federal Government under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program Phase 3.
Proudly funded by the NSW Government under the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF) Round 3 and 4.
