Several Upper Lachlan Shire playgrounds will receive new equipment funded by a $19,000 Stronger Communities Programme (SCP) grant announced this week by Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor.

Mr Taylor said the grant has been awarded to Upper Lachlan Shire under Round 2 of the SCP for its ‘Play and Stay’ project which involves:

• The installation of new swings and a soft fall area at Gunning Showground
• A new soft fall area at Dalton River Park
• A new playground border and soft fall at Apex Park, Crookwell
• The replacement of broken playground equipment at Coleman Park, Crookwell

“This is great news for families, kids and carers - and a perfect example of the Stronger Communities Programme in action because its aim is to improve community participation through the funding of a small capital project,” Mr Taylor said.

“Good playground facilities bring new families to the region and entice existing families to stay. Upper Lachlan Shire put together an excellent application for this funding, which will deliver a strong social benefit.”

Total cost of the ‘Play and Stay’ project will be about $38,000, with the council funding the difference.

Upper Lachlan Shire general manager John Bell said he was delighted with the grant application’s success.

“Our council is proactive in creating and maintaining infrastructure that will appeal to families and children, and enhance the viability and vibrancy of this Shire,” he said.

“I want to thank Angus and the Coalition Government in helping us to achieve this aim.”

Federal funding grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 for small capital projects were available under the SCP which delivered $45 million over two funding rounds from 2015-16.

The programme was open to local councils and eligible, incorporated not for profit organisations who could match the funding, in cash or kind, on at least a dollar-for-dollar basis.