Australian Government Allocates AU$45 Million to Fund Eight Regional Projects

en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Australian Government, through the latest round of the Commonwealth Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, has provided AU$45 million in funding for eight regional, rural, and remote projects, supporting precinct development and community infrastructure construction. The program totals AU$400 million; the projects funded in this round are located in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory, with AU$10 million directed to the redevelopment of the Crago Mill cultural precinct in Yass Valley, New South Wales.

The Crago Mill project, with a total cost of AU$45 million, plans to transform a site in Yass's town centre into a cultural and civic hub, consolidating municipal services, a modern library, flexible community and commercial facilities, and an emergency management centre in one conveniently located area. Stage one of the project is nearing completion, including an administration building, an emergency operations centre, and a library; the Commonwealth funding will support stage two, which includes the restoration of the heritage-listed Crago Mill building. The refurbished building will feature a café, a yarning circle, and displays of cultural artworks and stories.

Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain, stated that this investment helps activate assets and underutilised spaces in Australian regional communities, and through cultural spaces, artworks, story displays, and a yarning circle, will make the historic Crago Mill a lasting community asset. New South Wales Senator Deborah O’Neill stated that the investment will improve access to local services and facilities, support the revitalisation of a historic site, and enable the Yass community to access municipal services, a modern library, and flexible facilities in a central location.

Yass Valley Mayor Jasmin Jones stated that this AU$10 million grant safeguards the value of the completed works and allows stage two to recommence; combined with the Council's revised project scope and efficiency improvements, the anticipated project cost to the community has been reduced from approximately AU$50 million to AU$35 million. Jones also stated that the Council is working with the Onerwal Local Aboriginal Land Council, emergency services, the Yass Valley Business Chamber, and the broader community to create a precinct that showcases Ngunnawal and agricultural heritage, enhances emergency resilience, and brings investment, connection, and activation opportunities to the central business district and main street.

Marcayla Stopp, Chief Executive Officer of the Onerwal Local Aboriginal Land Council, said that by embedding Ngunnawal perspectives, stories, and knowledge into the precinct, a meaningful place can be created for cultural learning, truth-telling, and reconciliation, while ensuring the history of the land is respected and shared with the wider community. Jack Walker, President of the Yass Valley Business Chamber, stated that this funding eases the financial burden on local ratepayers and demonstrates that collaboration between the Council, businesses, the community, and government can strengthen the Yass town centre's support for commerce, employment, investment, and services across the wider region, while consolidating Yass's strategic role within the Capital Region.