Monthly Archives: December 2022

Walking and cycling is set to get safer and simpler in the Upper Lachlan Shire after securing funding through the $117 million the Get NSW Active program.

Get NSW Active provides funding for local projects that encourage vibrant centres and liveable neighbourhoods through the creation of street environments that prioritise walking and cycling.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said the funding would go towards strengthening active transport in the community, making it easier for people to get from A to B in a way that doesn’t always involve getting in the car.

“Not only does active transport give people options on how they want to get around, but it really lifts community spirit to see families, groups and individuals walking and cycling around,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“The projects that have been funded include $150,000 for Saxby & Warrataw Street Footpath in Gunning and $185,000 for Carrington & Northcott Street Footpath in Crookwell.

Mayor Pam Kensit welcomed the investment.

“I’m delighted that the NSW Government continues to support rural and regional Councils with such important infrastructure.”

“Members of our community will soon see these projects come to life and reap the very real benefits of an area that has a strong active transport infrastructure pipeline.”

The projects will now be progressed and delivered by local council.

Minister for Active Transport Rob Stokes said the third and final tranche of the 2022 program would see $77 million in funding for 161 projects across 45 councils. 

“NSW is leading the nation when it comes to investment in new active transport infrastructure, building better footpaths and bike lanes in our cities and regions,” Mr Stokes said. 

“More than $18 million has been committed to projects in Western Sydney and $20 million in regional NSW, where we’re seeing a growing demand for infrastructure that helps people walk and cycle safely. 

“For children, older people, parents pushing prams or people with disabilities – a street without a footpath isn’t an inconvenience – it’s a barrier to moving freely in public space. That’s why we’ve already opened applications for Get NSW Active 2023 and we’re encouraging all councils to apply now.”  

Get NSW Active 2022 received 474 applications from councils across the state with 158 regional projects receiving funding. More than $200 million has already been allocated to more than 400 projects over the past five years.  

Goulburn Mulwaree Local Environmental Plan (Transport and Infrastructure) (Map Amendment No 1) under the Environmental Planning and assessment Act 1979 has been endorsed by NSW Minister for Planning the Hon. Anthony Roberts.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman welcomed the publication of the act on December 16.

“Recognition as a city provides additional development assessment considerations for large scale renewable energy generation and storage projects – an enormous challenge being faced by our community right now,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“Goulburn is rapidly growing, and Council has done the right thing in planning for growth but the potential for large scale solar energy projects to impact Goulburn is significant due to our close proximity to the major transmission easements.

“Inclusion in the SEPP provides the strongest level of planning consideration available,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

Goulburn Mulwaree Council Mayor Peter Walker said the decision not only recognises Goulburn’s growing status as part of regional NSW, it also supports the City’s Urban and Fringe Housing Strategy.

“Importantly, Goulburn’s inclusion does not rule out the possibility of state-or regional-scale solar or wind farm developments within our local government area – although it requires their location to be in areas that do not conflict significantly with existing residential or commercial land uses.

“While Council does not oppose true renewable energy projects such as solar and wind energy, it is important though that these projects be in areas where they will have a minimal impact on our residents, their livelihoods, and their lifestyles,” Clr Walker said.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman has announced the NSW Government will deliver $765,952 in funding to improve Crown land reserves and community facilities across the Goulburn electorate.

Mrs Tuckerman said the funding is being provided by the NSW Government under its Crown Reserves Improvement Fund program and will be a great asset to the community.

“Crown reserves provide land for recreation, community organisations and facilities, and protect our environment including habitat for native plants and animals,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“I know how important each of these assets are to the region which is why I have secured $765,952 across 19 projects.

“Maintaining and enhancing our Crown reserves means residents have access to quality spaces for sports and fitness, or to just relax, rejuvenate and get in touch with nature and each other.”

Upper Lachlan Shire Council Mayor Pam Kensit said it was fantastic to see so many local Crown reserves benefiting from the funding, including Gunning Showground.

“I am really pleased that $189,860 has been allocated to assist with the Gunning showground electrical upgrades and repair,” Clr Kensit said.

Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said Crown reserves play an important role in business, tourism, recreation, well-being and the biodiversity of the state which is why the NSW Government is delivering this funding.

“Crown land covers around 34 million hectares or 42 per cent of NSW and we have about 35,000 Crown reserves that accommodate parks, community halls, nature areas, showgrounds, sporting facilities, camping areas and walking tracks,” Mr Anderson said.

“They also provide support to community groups like Men’s Sheds, Police Citizens Youth Clubs, Surf Life Saving clubs Scouts and Girl Guides. These groups all do amazing work which is why it is so important the NSW Government continues to support them.

“These projects funded by the NSW Government will benefit many thousands of people and contribute to the cultural, sporting and recreational life of hundreds of communities with the potential to provide stimulus to local economies and create jobs.”

I have been advised that Rye Park Public School currently has four students enrolled and, in 2023, this number will be reduced to a single student.

Earlier in 2022, consultation began with the community of Rye Park Public School regarding the future operation of the school. The Director, Educational Leadership, Yass Principals Network, engaged with the School Principal, the carer/parent of the enrolled student and the local NSW Teachers Federation Organiser to investigate options for the future delivery of education at Rye Park Public School. This included time to boost enrolments.

As I understand because there were no additional confirmed enrolments, the recommendation has been made to place the school into recess for two years. A review process will be conducted at the end of this timeframe. Placing a school into recess does not mean it is closed.

At the end of the day, education resources will be delivered where there is a need, and “possible enrolments” are not actual enrolments. Should enrolments increase the situation will be reassessed.

Moss Vale Public P&C has today secured $25,000 in funding to deliver a new outdoor, LED school noticeboard through the NSW Government’s 2022 Community Building Partnership Program.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman MP said the State Government funds will deliver the much-needed infrastructure to local facilities including Moss Vale Public School.

“This is fantastic news for the school – the noticeboard will help create a more vibrant and inclusive school community with benefits for social outcomes not only for the children and staff but also the wider Moss Vale community,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“I congratulate all the organisations that were successful in their application and look forward to seeing how these projects make a real difference for community groups in the area.”

Moss Vale Public School P&C President, Chrissy Taylor welcomed the funding.

“Moss Vale Public School is committed to providing high quality teaching and learning, but also a strong sense of community and the provision of a new noticeboard will open a wide array of opportunities for our students to succeed and thrive,” Ms Taylor said.

At total of $400,000 was awarded across the Goulburn electorate for the 2022 round with further successful projects to be announced.

The Community Building Partnership program has funded more than 18,000 community projects since it commenced in 2009.

Applications for the 2023 Program open in May 2023.

For more information about the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program, visit www.nsw.gov.au/cbp.