Five playgrounds across the Upper Lachlan Shire have been upgraded under the $38,259 Play and Stay Project.

The Project, jointly funded with $19,000 under Round 2 of the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Programme (SCP) and $19,259 from Upper Lachlan Shire Council, included:

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

• The replacement of unsightly fencing at Goodhew Park, Taralga

Member for Hume Angus Taylor and Upper Lachlan Shire Mayor Brian McCormack OAM visited Coleman Park, Crookwell, today to inspect the new barrel runner, skateboard spring, shopfront and replacement toddler swing.

Mr Taylor said the Play and Stay project is a wonderful example of the types of projects the SCP aims to support.

“The SCP seeks to help fund projects that encourage social participation and contribute to the vibrancy and viability of local communities,” Mr Taylor said.

“Playgrounds are important to the social fabric of local communities. They serve as a gathering place for parents to meet and socialise and children to learn sharing, positive interaction skills and take part in vital physical and sensory activities.

“I am pleased to see this week’s Budget confirm there will be a third round of the Stronger Communities Programme, with each electorate to receive $150,000. Applications open mid 2017.”

Cr McCormack said the Play and Stay Project has helped to bring the Shire’s playgrounds up to Australian safety standards.

“On behalf of the community, I would like to thank the Federal Government for their funding contribution, which made the Play and Stay Project a reality.”

“Improving the quality and safety of our Playgrounds helps to make the Shire a viable place for existing families to stay, and attracts new families to the region.”

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.

For more details visit: http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/scp/.