Hang on a second … did we hear that right?
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On the top of the windy hill, which will one day be home to the Valla Industrial Estate and residential development, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro, announced not only the expected $5 million, but an additional $3 million … to meet the total budget of $8 million to get the project “off and racing”.
Nambucca Shire Mayor Rhonda Hoban did a double take and then said “Can I hug you!”.
Mr Barilaro said the NSW Government was acting to ensure regional businesses had the infrastructure necessary so they could focus on sustainable growth.
“Today’s funding will help to deliver major new employment opportunities to the Mid North Coast,” Mr Barilaro said.
“I congratulate Nambucca Shire Council and look forward to watching as the site becomes home to a buzzing industrial precinct … with some bloody great jobs.”
I look forward to watching as the site becomes home to a buzzing industrial precinct … with some bloody great jobs
- John Barilaro
The funding (from the Growing Local Economies Fund) was the missing link in the development of the new commercial and industrial precinct in Valla … one that will see an estimated 1,250 new jobs created on the Mid North Coast.
Together with the Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey, the pair said the initial development of eight hectares would see serviced industrial lots north of the Pacific Highway’s Nambucca Heads interchange.
“Being between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, midway between Sydney and Brisbane, and adjacent to the newly upgraded Pacific Highway, this precinct will give businesses ready access to transport and markets,” Mrs Pavey said.
“The funding will enable important preparation work for the site, including earthworks, roadworks, storm water drainage, electrical and communications, allowing businesses to easily relocate and create jobs quickly.”
Mrs Pavey congratulated the Nambucca Shire Council on it’s forward planning, “because jobs and industrial land are so important”.
“I’ve really wanted to deliver this to the community – it is for our kids, our jobs and our valley.”
Rhonda Hoban could not wipe the smile off her face as she said everything was actually ready to go and the money had been the final hurdle.
“Now we can really get into gear. I feel so proud we are moving in this direction, offering jobs and also affordable housing to people,” Rhonda said.
Mr Barilaro quipped it would be good to see the tenders out there before election day on March 23.
Development of the first stage of the precinct, which will be co-funded by the Nambucca Shire Council, is expected to be completed in 2020.
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Ute Schulenberg
Journalism was always my plan but plans being what they are, I did not get to realise it until my early 40s ... and have loved every minute since. For me community journalism is the most intimate and honest place to be in this field - telling the stories of people I live with, side-by-side, every day. It is an honour.
Journalism was always my plan but plans being what they are, I did not get to realise it until my early 40s ... and have loved every minute since. For me community journalism is the most intimate and honest place to be in this field - telling the stories of people I live with, side-by-side, every day. It is an honour.
