INFRASTRUCTURE: 12 JANUARY 2017

More money for emergency support in Molong and the Central West

Troy Grant, the NSW Minister for Justice and Police and Member for Dubbo, today announced almost half a million dollars to help communities in the Central West during emergencies such as bushfires, storms and floods, including a grant of $95,000 to install a new kitchen, shower and secure automatic front door at the Molong RSL Club.

The club has been designated to provide emergency accommodation for the villages of Molong, Manildra and Cumnock.

The announcement was made today at the Molong RSL Club, where President Jamie Jones officiated over a small press conference.

Mr Grant said that the investment would help improve emergency readiness and responsiveness across the local region.

“There is no question our community has been tested in the past by Mother Nature and funding to improve preparation and capacity to manage emergencies is welcome,” said Mr Grant.

“Emergency services personnel and volunteers work tirelessly to assist when a disaster strikes and I know that this funding will go a long way to support their great work.”

Other successful local projects in the ClubGRANTS Category 3 Program 2016/17 for emergency relief infrastructure include:

— $128,430 to the Forbes SES for a new shed and hard-stand area to support sandbagging operations and training. The grant will mean sandbagging operations can continue in adverse weather and at night more easily. Access roads to the headquarters will also be sealed.

— $250,000 to the Wellington Soldiers’ Memorial Club for an emergency-centre upgrade including a back-up generator and upgrades to the electrical system. The works will mean that the club can provide around-the-clock accommodation.

— $10,400 to the Yeoval and District Men’s Shed for a generator, gas stove and electrical connections to make its kitchen viable in an emergency. The upgraded kitchen will be the only publicly accessible kitchen that can supply meals in the case of an emergency in the town.

Molong RSL President Jamie Jones said he was pleased to welcome Minister Grant to the club for this significant announcement.

“The $95,000 grant from the NSW Government will allow Molong RSL to install a new kitchen and new bathroom facilities as well as refurbish our auditorium,” he said.

“Molong RSL is a community-minded club and this grant will increase our capacity to provide accommodation and meals to emergency personnel and those in need at times of natural disasters. The improved facilities will also benefit our members and their guests.”

Work will commence in May and is expected to be finished by mid-October.

Based on media release issued by Troy Grant’s office and information supplied by the Molong RSL Club.