Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen joined with Muswellbrook Shire councillor Mark Bowditch to announce $1,514,792 in funding to breathe new life into community and local sporting facilities in the region through round two of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Mr Johnsen said Muswellbrook secured NSW Government backing for six projects, which include upgrades to playgrounds, sporting, and community facilities.

The Highbrook Park softfall replacement collected $130,000 while the spectator area improvement secured $130,000, Denman Recreation Area picked up $100,000 for additional field drainage, $184,000 went to the Karoola Park regional netball courts and a further $900,000 was allocated to the Learn to Swim and Therapy Pool at the Muswellbrook Aquatic Centre.

Part-funding of $70,792 will go towards an amenities upgrade at Weeraman Oval.

“This is a great victory for our local community,” he explained.

“I know many families and sporting associations, young and old, will make the most of these facility upgrades when they are eventually completed.

“This means the government is delivering a total of $1,514,792 to our Muswellbrook Shire for these important and much-loved community and sporting facilities.”

Mr Johnsen said the roll out of the second round of projects takes Stronger Country Communities funding to $300 million.

“I congratulate our Muswellbrook community on this win and look forward to seeing the improvements in our local sports and community facility that will make our town an even more attractive place to work and raise a family,” he said.

“The $300 million Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the government’s $1.6 billion Regional Growth Fund that is employing our local tradies, putting our local suppliers to work and providing the right environment to operate regional businesses.”

For more information, visit www.nsw.gov.au/strongercountrycommunities