Dragons NRL fixture to breath fire into Mudgee 2019
The Dubbo electorate will see NRL action again in 2019, after it was announced on Friday that Mudgee’s Glen Willow Sporting Complex would once again host a competition match.
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Member for Dubbo Troy Grant was joined by Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall, Mid-Western Regional Council mayor Des Kennedy and St George Illawarra Dragons chairman Brian Johnston at the announcement.
The Dragons’ opponent for the fixture is yet to be revealed, with all eyes awaiting the unveiling of the NRL draw so a suitable fixture can be arranged.
The NSW Government has partnered with the NRL to assist in the promotion of the match, as well as others that are scheduled to be taken to the bush in 2019.
The match in Mudgee would attract more out of town visitors to the region.
Mudgee has already proven it has a strong and passionate NRL fan base, with close to 9000 fans turning out for this year’s Dragons match against the Raiders.
With the additional promotional support, next year’s match will encourage more supporters to plan a trip to Mudgee, giving thousands of visitors the opportunity to see just how incredible our corner of NSW is.
Mr Marshall added that the NSW Government is doing everything it can to help facilitate more top-flight NRL being brought to regional areas, something fans have been crying out for over the course of many years.
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring every corner of NSW gets its fair share of the record tourist dollars and investment coming into our State and major sporting events are an excellent way to drive more visitors to the regions,” Mr Marshall said.
“Regional NSW has the facilities required to host major sporting events and I am delighted the NSW Government has partnered with the NRL to showcase the best of the NRL in regional NSW.”
Ulan Road Upgrade
On Friday the $18.7 million Ulan Road upgrade near Mudgee was opened, in the state’s Central West, which will help grow the local mining sector and provide a safer road for the community.
The 45km project, which also received $9.2 million in funding from the mining industry, was managed by Mid-Western Regional Council. It included widening the traffic lanes, constructing new overtaking lanes, intersection safety works such as sheltered turning bays, and drainage works. The road now meets Austroads standards.
Coal production has increased significantly in recent years, creating more jobs and boosting the local economy, but this has put pressure on local amenities such as Ulan Road.
Traffic movements on the road have surpassed that of the nearby Newell Highway, but its deteriorating condition was hampering the productivity of local mines, as well as impacting other road users.
“This $18.7 million upgrade, of which the NSW Government has contributed $9.5 million from the Restart NSW Resources for Regions Program, has vastly improved the road’s condition to facilitate continued growth in the mining sector and provide safe and efficient travel along Ulan Road for all motorists.
The Ulan Road upgrade was among the first projects considered for funding under the Resources for Regions Program, which has now allocated more than $265 million to projects in mining communities across the state.
This government recognises the significant contribution mining makes to regional NSW, but we also understand the pressure that can place on local resources and infrastructure.
Since we established the Resources for Regions program in 2012, we have invested in roads, health, education, water and sewerage services and airports, all of which give back to communities like Mudgee.