Boost for disability access in the Narrabri Shire

Narrabri Shire Council will receive $150,000 to boost disability access as part of a tranche of funding for community projects from round nine of the Resources for Regions program.

The disability access funding means the community will soon see an increase in local accessible infrastructure and disability inclusion programs.

Mayor Ron Campbell said the funding is a welcome boost following a review of the shire’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan earlier this year.

“Our Disability Inclusion Access Plan was reviewed this year and is already guiding us towards creating a more accessible and equitable shire,” Cr Campbell said.

“There’s no better way to celebrate International Day of People with Disability than firmly investing in disability programs and accessible infrastructure.

“I look forward to council collaboratively finding solutions for and with persons with disabilities to improve our shire’s level of accessibility.”

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the funding allocation will assist in filling critical gaps across the shire, including access to footpaths, ramps, and disabled parking spaces, as well as supporting key inclusion programs.

“The NSW government is working with local councils by putting funding on the table that will cover the costs of the most important infrastructure upgrades for the community,” Mr Farraway said.

“This $150,000 grant will ensure that local people with disabilities are put at the front of mind for Narrabri Shire Council as they invest in paths and walkways, ramps, lifts, and parking spaces.

“Additionally, with employment another key issue for disabled people in the region, this grant will also cover disability inclusion programs that educate individuals on how to improve the inclusivity of their businesses.

“This is great news for the whole of Narrabri, and I am thrilled that our government is able to show an ongoing commitment to delivering projects that benefit the inclusivity of our local communities.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said Resources for Regions has delivered 355 projects worth $560 million to mining communities since its inception in 2012, stimulating local economies and delivering critical infrastructure.

“The Resources for Regions program is about giving back to these mining communities that contribute so much to the NSW economy,” Mr Toole said.

“It’s absolutely crucial we continue to support regional mining towns that supply our state with the resources needed to keep the lights on and the economy moving forward, and this program is just another example of the NSW government’s commitment to the future of our mining regions.

“I would like to congratulate Narrabri Shire Council for putting forward this project which will make big difference for the people and organisations in this local community.”

Since 2012, Resources for Regions has supported economic and social prosperity in mining communities in regional NSW, with the $140 million Round Nine expanded to support communities where gas exploration or mining may occur.

The $560 million Resources for Regions is part of the NSW government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and infrastructure for regional communities.