A total of $2.8 million in essential infrastructure upgrades funded by the NSW Government to support social, economic and employment benefits have been completed in Condobolin.
The Roads to Home program in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has funded Condobolin Local Aboriginal Land Council to upgrade infrastructure at the Willow Bend Village.
Infrastructure improvements have included upgraded roads and guttering, footpaths, an amenities block, stormwater drainage and sewerage infrastructure, new streetlighting, new house fencing, upgrades to the community basketball and tennis courts and public gardens, landscaping, a community yarning circle, and a new village entrance sign.
“The infrastructure upgrades have made a big difference. The village looks a lot better than it did before and the improvements have given residents ownership and pride in the community,” Condobolin Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Louise Davis said.
“As part of the project, local residents got work and training with machinery including excavators and backhoes, and in fencing. and concreting.”
Upgrades have also occurred to a levee bank at the village which has been reinforced in sections and new flood gates and drainage flaps installed to help control flooding from the nearby Lachlan River.
“It’s fantastic to see these upgrades delivered to bring infrastructure up to acceptable standards to benefit the residents of the Willow Bend Village in Condobolin,” Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said.
“Infrastructure upgrades such as these are very important for Aboriginal communities as they improve quality of life and empower residents by supporting better health and safety and facilitating improved access to community services.”
The delivery of infrastructure upgrades to normal standards enhances quality of life for residents and improves access to services, including household waste collection, postal delivery, emergency vehicles and community transport.
“The Roads to Home program is correcting an historic injustice where Aboriginal communities on former missions and reserves across NSW were left to fend for themselves without the types of infrastructure and services that communities in the rest of the state take for granted,” Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris explained.
“It is a unique program that takes a partnership approach to empower Aboriginal landowners to make decisions about essential infrastructure upgrades in their communities to improve social outcomes while providing training and employment opportunities.
“We know there are better Closing the Gap outcomes when local Aboriginal communities and people drive shared decision-making and self-determination.”
A key feature of Roads to Home projects is ensuring there are employment and training opportunities for local Aboriginal communities. The Condobolin project provided training for 10 residents and work for eight.
“It’s always great to see investment in Barwon communities.” Member for Barwon Roy Butler stated.
“Things like reinforcing the levee to prevent inundation from the Lachlan River, along with upgrading the roads and building an amenities block, are not luxury items but they bring residents some much needed improvements that make Willow Bend a much better place to live.
“It has a net benefit to peoples wellbeing when they see investment and improvement in their community”
The NSW State Government has so far committed a total of $173.8 million through the Roads to Home program to enable upgrades in 34 discrete Aboriginal communities.