Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott has congratulated Mid Coast Communities Incorporated, formerly known as Mid North Coast Regional Council for Social Development, on receiving $500,000 towards its $1.6 million Community Recreational Parklands project at South Kempsey.

As well, $150,000 will assist Greater Taree City Council deliver  a much-needed upgrade to the Taree Park Regional Facility, home to the Manning River District Cricket Club. The total cost of the upgrade is $250,000.

“I know how important these two projects are to Taree and to Kempsey, so I am delighted both have been chosen in what is an extremely competitive application process,” Mr Oakeshott said.

“Both have been funded in round three of the fund, worth $50 million which offered grants of between $50,000 and $500,000 for projects in towns with a population of less than 30,000 people.

“The South Kempsey parkland upgrade has received the maximum amount available.

“The $500,000 project fits well with the broader consideration of the South Kempsey Project, and continues the infrastructure boom that the Macleay Valley is experiencing, whether it’s is the Pacific Highway, surf clubs, hospitals, broadband or jobs programs.

“To have two projects from the Mid-North Coast selected in this third round of funding is the ultimate compliment to the value these projects will have in their communities,” Mr Oakeshott said.

Mr Oakeshott and fellow Independent Tony Windsor negotiated the billion dollar Regional Development Fund in 2010 on behalf of regional Australia.

Rounds four and five, amounting to almost $500 million, are still to be finalised.