The 2016/17 funding allocation from the Public Reserves Management Fund Program is part of an $18 million annual program of grants and loans from the NSW Government to support the development, maintenance and protection of the public reserves.

“Public reserves in our region such as sportsgrounds, showgrounds, community halls, walking tracks and local parks are valued places which are used by our local community every day,” Mr Barilaro said.

“This funding is not only vital to the success of our regional communities, but also supports the role our professional and volunteer managers play in the ongoing management of the reserves.

“This funding will allow our local managers to now implement the improvements required to ensure these important places can continue to be enjoyed by our local community now and into the future.”

Highlights of the 2016/17 Public Reserves Management Fund Program for the Monaro are:

-       $81,335 for Snowy Monaro Regional Council for weeds funding across the electorate

-       $54,395 for Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council for weeds funding across the electorate

-       $30,000 for Snowy Monaro Regional Council to build an energy efficient camp kitchen at the Snowy River Holiday Park in Dalgety

-       $10,374 for Snowy Monaro Regional Council to replace the arena fence at the Bredbo Showground

-       $10,000 for Nerriga Craft and Museum Centre to install new lighting

-       $9,680 for Jindabyne Pony Club to install a new septic tank at the club grounds

“Over the last five years, more than $95 million has been allocated by the NSW Government under this annual funding program to provide financial support for the development, maintenance and protection of public reserves,” Mr Barilaro said.