Three NSW projects will receive almost $12 million from the latest round of the Australian Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, with funding for projects in Yass, Mullumbimby and Lismore.
They are among eight projects across regional, rural and remote Australia sharing $45 million through the $400 million program.
The largest NSW allocation is $10 million for the Crago Mill Cultural Precinct in Yass, while Byron Shire Council will receive $1,030,820 to plan a recreation and environmental precinct in Mullumbimby and Northern Rivers Performing Arts will receive $944,724 to develop plans for a flood-resilient cultural hub in Lismore.
Crago Mill redevelopment moves ahead
The Australian Government will contribute $10 million towards the $45 million redevelopment of Yass’s Crago Mill Cultural Precinct.
The project is transforming the central Yass site into a cultural and civic hub bringing together council services, a modern library, community and business facilities and an emergency management centre.
Stage 1 is nearing completion and includes an administration building, emergency operations centre and library.
The new funding will support Stage 2, including rehabilitation of the historic Crago Mill building, a cafe, yarning circle, cultural artworks and storytelling displays.
Yass Valley Mayor Jasmin Jones said the investment would allow Stage 2 to move forward while reducing the cost borne by the local community.
“This $10 million Australian Government investment is a welcome and much needed boost for the Crago Mill Precinct and for the Yass Valley community. It protects the value of the work already delivered, gets Stage 2 moving again and, alongside Council’s revised scope and efficiencies, helps reduce the anticipated project cost to our community from around $50 million to $35 million. That is significant support for Council’s financial sustainability and means we can move forward with confidence on a project that will create lasting cultural, economic and community benefits.”
Ngunnawal culture part of precinct plans
The project is being developed with the Onerwal Local Aboriginal Land Council, emergency services, Yass Valley Business Chamber and the wider community.
Onerwal Local Aboriginal Land Council Chief Executive Officer Marcayla Stopp said the precinct offered an opportunity to embed Ngunnawal history and culture in the redevelopment.
“The Crago Mill Precinct presents a significant opportunity to recognise and celebrate the deep cultural heritage of First Nations people in our region. By incorporating Ngunnawal perspectives, stories and knowledge into the precinct, we can create a meaningful place for cultural learning, truth-telling and reconciliation, while ensuring the history of this land is respected and shared with the wider community.”
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain said: “Our funding for this project in Yass will help preserve the historic Crago Mill as an enduring community asset by creating culturally significant spaces, artworks, storytelling displays and a yarning circle.”
Northern Rivers projects receive planning funds
Two Northern Rivers projects are also among the eight projects funded in the latest round.
Byron Shire Council will receive $1,030,820 to develop an investment-ready masterplan for the Mullumbimby Recreation and Environmental Precinct at Lot 22.
The 32-hectare council-owned site is planned as a First Nations-led, multi-use precinct combining community, cultural and environmental uses. The proposal includes a native food hub designed to support Bundjalung enterprise.
In Lismore, Northern Rivers Performing Arts Incorporated will receive $944,724 for The Joinery, with funding for feasibility and planning work to convert an industrial building into a flood-resilient performing arts, training and community hub.
The project is intended to complete Lismore’s Northern Rivers cultural precinct.
Eight projects share $45 million
The latest funding round supports eight projects across NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
The Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program has two streams. Stream One provides between $500,000 and $5 million for precinct planning and development, while Stream Two provides between $5 million and $50 million for construction-ready precinct projects.
Yass Valley Business Chamber President Jack Walker said the Crago Mill project would strengthen the town’s role as a business and service centre for the wider region.
“This investment reinforces Yass not only as the civic but also the economic centre of our LGA. Strengthening the heart of Yass Valley supports business activity, jobs, investment and services across the wider region, while recognising the increasingly strategic role Yass has to play within the broader Capital Region and its sustainable future growth.”
A full list of projects funded through the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program is available here.
