National Stronger Regions Fund delivers for Robertson electorate

The Gosford Regional Performing Arts Centre is among three local projects to receive funding under the Australian Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund, boosting Central Coast jobs and improving community infrastructure.

Minister for Major Projects, Territories and Local Government, Paul Fletcher, joined Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks in Gosford today to announce the $10.5 million in funding for projects that were successful under Round Two of the programme.

Minister Fletcher said Gosford City Council would receive $10 million for the Gosford Regional Performing Arts Centre, which was another example of the Coalition delivering on its commitments from its positive Growth Plan for the Central Coast.

“Lucy Wicks has been fighting hard for this funding, which contributes the vital final piece of the puzzle to help build an iconic Performing Arts Centre for this region,” the Minister said.

Mrs Wicks said the funding would ensure the local community has a ‘cultural heart’.

“Locating a Performing Arts Centre in Gosford has been a vision of our region for decades. Thanks to this funding announcement today, this dream can be a reality,” Mrs Wicks said.

“The submission is for a 1000-seat multipurpose auditorium and a 200 seat studio and associated facilities, as part of a world-class piece of civic infrastructure.

“This will help put Gosford on the map as a cultural hub, and draw hundreds of thousands of tourists and visitors to the Central Coast. I can’t wait to be among the first ticket-holders.

“The $10 million in funding from the Coalition complements the commitments already made from the NSW Government and Gosford City Council.”

Minister Fletcher also announced Terrigal Rugby Club would be receiving $275,000 to upgrade the Terrigal Trojans clubhouse, and $304,000 to knockdown and rebuild a new amenities block for Woy Woy Peninsula Little Athletics at McEvoy Oval in Umina Beach.

“Projects funded under the National Stronger Regions Fund are ones which have been identified as priority infrastructure by local communities. The design of the fund particularly encourages communities to form partnerships between local and state governments as well as the private sector,” Minister Fletcher said.

The National Stronger Regions Fund is delivering $1 billion over five years to promote economic growth and address disadvantage in Australia’s regions.