The Northern Rivers Times Edition 133

BALLINA TO BENEFIT FROM NEW PUMP TRACK

The Stronger Country Communities Fund

Ballina bike and scooter enthusiasts of all ages will soon have a dedicated space to test their skills and enjoy the outdoors at Kingsford Smith Park, thanks to Round Five of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said a $733,345 grant will support Ballina Shire Council to construct an asphalt pump track for bikes and scooters where children and families can meet to enjoy the outdoors.

“Thanks to the Stronger Country Communities fund, young people and

their families will have a new space to gather and enjoy the outdoors in Ballina, and it will make Kingsford Smith Park an even better place to visit,” Ms Mitchell said.

“The new pump track will create opportunities for locals and visitors to the region to gather with friends and put their bike and scooter skills to the test, especially during school holidays.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said regional NSW communities will benefit from a record number of projects and enjoy new or upgraded sporting facilities, social infrastructure and improved community

programs, under the $160 million Round Five of the fund.

“Whether it’s community hubs, town halls, pathways, recreation areas, playgrounds, or creative and training programs, the Stronger Country Communities Fund is making regional NSW an even better place to call home,” Mr Toole said.

“The first five rounds of the fund are making a real difference to people right across regional NSW, with work commencing, underway or completed on more than 2,530 projects in every local government area across regional NSW.”

Round Five of the

Stronger Country Communities Fund will support local community and sporting infrastructure projects, street beautification, public programs and events that display the best of local character and community spirit.

The $660 million Stronger Country Communities Fund 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 community infrastructure in the regions.

For more information, visit: nsw.gov.au/sccf

NEWS BRIEFS

FATAL SINGLEVEHICLE CRASH IN STATE’S NORTH

Two people died in a single-vehicle crash on the Bruxner Highway in Boggabilla, New England region.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 17th, 2023, around noon.

A 26-year-old woman and a four-year-old girl were found deceased at the scene, while two boys aged 9 and 1 were injured and transported to the hospital.

The police have set up a crime scene and are investigating for the coroner.

YOUNG PERSON ARRESTED AFTER SPATE OF ALLEGED VEHICLE THEFTS

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with 26 offenses, including break-ins, car thefts, and drug possession, after an investigation in the Tweed/Byron area.

The teenager was arrested on Tuesday, January 17th, 2023, after police found stolen items and a stolen vehicle at his Kingscliff property.

Detectives from Tweed/Byron Police District are continuing their investigation and the boy was granted conditional bail to appear in court on February 22nd.

RIVER STREET DUPLICATION:

STAGE 2 WORKS

BEGIN IN BALLINA

Ballina Shire Council will begin Stage 2 of the River Street Duplication project from Henry Philp Avenue to Tweed Street in Ballina on January 23rd.

The stage is expected to continue until July 2023 and will include duplicating both west and eastbound lanes, installing new traffic lights, renewed pedestrian footpaths, and upgrades to stormwater services.

NEW TASKFORCE TO ADVOCATE FOR REGIONAL YOUTH

18 young leaders from regional NSW, including Genevieve Collins and John Palencia, have been selected to form the new Regional Youth Taskforce.

The taskforce will advocate for their peers and provide policy and operational advice to the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to advance the needs of young people in the regions. The taskforce members will meet throughout the year and join senior representatives from the government and its agencies to discuss services, programs and infrastructure.

LAST CALL FOR BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE SAVINGS IN 2023

The NSW Government is encouraging parents of primary school-aged children to download the $500 Before and After School Care voucher by January 31st, 2023.

More than 305,000 vouchers have already been downloaded by parents. These vouchers can be used until June 30th, 2023.

To apply or find out more, visit www. service.nsw.gov.au/ basc-voucher.