The Albanese Labor Government has announced a combined $17 million in funding to revitalise regional communities in both North West Tasmania and New South Wales, aiming to enhance infrastructure, create new housing opportunities, and improve community wellbeing.
In North West Tasmania, a $6 million investment will support Stage 3 of the Living City project in Devonport’s CBD. This funding will complement local and private investment to upgrade public infrastructure, including a road link and site utilities, unlocking land for 30 affordable housing units, a purpose-built school for young people who have struggled in mainstream education, and new retail sites.
The Devonport Living City project will transform the city centre, enhancing its role as a key community and tourism hub for the region.
An additional $619,241 has been allocated for the creation of the Circular Head Community Health and Wellbeing Hub in Smithton. The hub will provide a shared space for residents to access health services, engage with community groups, or simply relax, and will house the Rural Health Tasmania Inc. administration team along with other health organisations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the funding reflects his Government’s commitment to ensuring regional areas have the infrastructure they need to thrive.
“North West Tasmania is a beautiful place to live, work and visit, and my Government wants to ensure it has the infrastructure and housing it needs to continue to grow and thrive.”
In New South Wales, the Albanese Government is investing $5 million in the Nowra Riverfront Precinct, a long-awaited project aimed at transforming the Shoalhaven region.
This new mixed-use precinct will integrate parklands, accommodation, commercial spaces, and active transport links, rejuvenating the Nowra city centre and reconnecting it with the Shoalhaven River waterfront.
The investment will fund the precinct’s masterplan, detailed designs for the central open space, drainage, and an access road, while early public space improvements will stimulate private investment in the surrounding area.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King praised the collaboration with local councils.
“These infrastructure projects in both Tasmania and New South Wales will help shape the future of these communities, creating new spaces for locals and visitors to enjoy while boosting local economies.”
The Nowra Riverfront Precinct has been a long-term vision of the Shoalhaven City Council. Local MP Fiona Phillips welcomed the announcement, highlighting the significance of the riverfront for the community.
“A revitalised Nowra Riverfront will mean huge benefits for our community, including improved liveability, wellbeing options, and increased tourism and local business opportunities.”
Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Patricia White also expressed excitement about the funding, noting the opportunity it brings to transform the riverfront and boost the region’s role as a civic, community, tourism, and recreational hub.
Both the North West Tasmania and Nowra projects are funded through the Albanese Government’s regional Precincts and Partnership Program and Growing Regions Program, which support transformative infrastructure projects across regional, rural, and remote communities throughout Australia.
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