Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless on Monday announced the NSW Government will invest more than $2.6 million into the Orange electorate under Round One of the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF).

A total of eleven projects are being funded in the Orange electorate which are focused on improving local amenities and community facilities.

Three of these projects are in the Parkes Shire.

Stage 2 of the Parkes Active Movement Plan has been granted $298,149, while $265,911 has been allocated to refurbish the Parkes Community Hall next to the old Parkes Hospital complex.

And the Parkes Little Theatre will receive $162,000 for seating upgrades and refurbishments.

Forbes will also receive more than $433,000 for the construction of the Forbes Men’s Shed, Bedgeragong Recreation Grounds upgrades and to support Forbes Young Families.

The $200 million SCCF, is part of the NSW Government’s plan to invest in regional communities across NSW by funding projects that improve the lives of rural residents.

“All projects being funded are highly important to these communities and will enrich the lives of residents living throughout the Orange electorate,” Mr Colless said.

“The SCCF also presents an opportunity for the Orange electorate to embark on innovative infrastructure projects to entice people to live and work in the Central West.

“As Round One has been such a success - the NSW Government has decided to increase the funding for Round Two, and include dedicated funding for sports projects in the regions.”

Applications for Round Two opened on Monday and will close May 4.

The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of funding under the NSW Government’s $1.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to improve economic growth and productivity with investment in regional communities.

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