Enhance Village Facilities and Provide Freedom Camping

COMMUNITY PROJECT BRIEF:

Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF) round 5 Strengthen Villages by enhancing sportsground / showground facilities and providing freedom camping areas.

ABOUT THE GRANT:

There are two types of project categories for eligible applications under this round of the Stronger Country Communities Program: Infrastructure Projects and Community Programs. The objective of the Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 5 is to boost the wellbeing of communities in regional areas by providing new or upgraded social and sporting infrastructure or community programs.

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

The Project involves upgrading existing infrastructure to improve access to the village sports/showgrounds, installing new infrastructure (picnic /barbecue facilities, signage) and establishing freedom camping areas. This will boost the wellbeing of the villages communities by:

  • Enhancing the sports/show grounds for local social, recreation and sporting use.
  • Strengthening the appeal and functionality of the grounds and nearby community halls and other venues for local events;
  • Providing a camping area for event attendees to stay overnight. For example, at Greenethorpe Iandra Castle hosts open-days; Caragabal hosts Sheep Races (500-800 attendees) and Camp Oven Cook Off (300-600 attendees) and Quandialla's Bland Hotel and Hall Committee both host entertainment events. Enabling event attendees to stay locally and spend money in village communities.
  • Availability of camping will also increase the appeal of the grounds and nearby venues to potential venue hirers.

ESTIMATED TIMELINE:

  • March - May 2024 - Community Consultation
  • May 2024 - Scope village projects
  • June 2024 - Planning
  • June 2024 - Call for quotes/tenders
  • July 2024 - Evaluate submissions
  • August 2024 - Siteworks begin

AT A GLANCE

BUDGET:

  • $100,000 per village (Caragabal, Quandialla and Greenethorpe)

CHALLENGES:

  • Not creating more work for trust members Crown Land / Traffic NSW approval

BENEFITS:

  • Increase overnight visitation
  • Increase visitor spend
  • Making the site suitable for community events.