THE O'Connell Recreation Ground has received a further funding boost that will take the spending on it to more than $350,000.
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The latest $221,000 for the ground comes from the Australian and NSW governments as part of stream two of the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund (BCRRF).
It follows $140,000 that Oberon Council received exclusively from the Australian Government under the Drought Communities program, for new fencing and the extension of footpaths at the O'Connell Recreation Ground.
Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee said he was thrilled that O'Connell had received this extra money.
"This bushfire recovery funding is a terrific initiative from the Australian Government, as it supports locally led recovery that focuses on community wellbeing, connectedness and social recovery," he said.
"The Oberon LGA was hard hit by the bushfires and then COVID-19, so it's great to see this funding flowing to where it is needed.
"History has shown us that we are going to have more bushfires and building up our facilities and community spaces is a very good way to prepare for them.
"I hope that the Recreation Ground will never be needed as an evacuation centre, but we need to be preparing for that possibility.
"I know that the local community is right behind the plans to improve the Rec Ground and improving this public space is an excellent way to bring the community together and to also provide local economic stimulus."
Oberon Shire Council will use the $221,000 to upgrade facilities at the ground to enhance it as an outdoor meeting area and venue for community sporting and social events for residents and visitors.
"O'Connell is a beautiful spot and is increasingly becoming a stopping point for visitors to the region. A fantastic facility like the Recreation Ground will make it even more popular with locals and tourists," Mr Gee said.
Mr Gee and Oberon mayor Kathy Sajowitz recently officially opened the new fencing and pathway work.
There have been 173 new projects approved under stream two of the BCRRF.