WINS FOR WINGHAM: $15-MILLION FEDERAL FUNDING FOR MIDCOAST COMMUNITIES

Wingham’s town centre beautification and upgrades to local parks and sporting facilities are pushing forward as part of Federal funding of almost $15-million for MidCoast community projects.

MidCoast Council has this week approved the updated Wingham CBD Streetscape Concept Plan, with $1-million in Federal funding delivering early upgrades to the town centre, including a cantilevered shadesail now completed over the McCullagh Lane carpark.

Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie MP announced on Thursday Federal funding for other Wingham upgrades:

·         $100,000 for Wingham Riverside Reserve – to include BBQ, picnic tables and public toilets, as part of upgrades following damage to the area in the 2021 floods. Work due to commence in May 2022.

·         $20,000 for Tinonee’s Horace Dean Memorial Park – including creation of an Indigenous sculpture by local elder Russell Saunders and wheelchair accessibility. 

·         $400,000 for Wingham Sporting Complex grandstand roof (previously announced).

Dr Gillespie said the Wingham and Tinonee improvements were part of a strong Federal Coalition Government commitment to supporting the MidCoast.

‘Under the first three rounds of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, we are committing $14.905-million, almost $15-million, for MidCoast communities. This is a tremendous investment in our local centres and part of a broader plan to develop the Manning Great Lakes as a regional capital,” Dr Gillespie said.

“It’s great to see Council has approved updated concept plans for the Wingham CBD at this week’s meeting. I know the local community is keen to see the beautification and parking improvements underway as soon as possible,” he said.

Wingham Chamber of Commerce spokesperson Liz Jarvis said it was pleasing to see more people using the newly-shaded carpark.

“They enjoy the walk along the new footpath beside the fun mural and are exploring the shops more as well. It’s a win-win because everyone who parks there, frees up the street parking for our elderly,” Ms Jarvis said.

Caption 1: Dr David Gillespie MP with Wingham Chamber of Commerce representatives Liz Jarvis and Kevin Eliis and MidCoast Council project manager Stuart Small under the new shadesail over McCullagh Lane carpark, Wingham funded by the Federal Government.

Caption 2: Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie MP announcing $20,000 in Federal funding to improve Horace Dean Memorial Park at Tinonee. Picture with Tinonee Community Garden Working Party members Paul Soper, Debbie Scarfe and Janeece Irving.

Caption 3: Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie MP announcing $100,000 in Federal funding to upgrade amenities and the vegetation at flood-damaged Wingham Riverside Reserve. Pictured recently (before this week’s rain) with Wingham Advancement Group project coordinator Bill Kneipp and MidCoast Council Grants and Assets Coordinator Kris Koch.