Both projects were submitted by Singleton Council. 

A third project lodged by Hunter New England Health to upgrade Singleton hospital’s imaging and pathology departments failed to meet the criteria.

The two successful projects are among 14 projects to be announced by Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner today.

The projects were chosen by an independent panel for their capacity to support economic growth and productivity, ease infrastructure constraints and support New South Wales communities affected by mining.

Speaking ahead of the embargoed statement yesterday, Singleton Council general manager Lindy Hyam and Mayor John Martin were delighted with the news which they said was reward for more than two years of project planning.

“The application process requires considerable work, it requires a full benefit cost analysis based on treasury guidelines, it is considerable work that must be done well in advance,” Ms Hyam said.

“We have been working on upgrades to the saleyards for two years and have already  completed some projects,” she said referring to the recent installation of 25 new slam gates at the  yards paid for through a Infrastructure and Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity grant.

The $6million to be spent on the yards will address the needs of both selling agents and buyers and is hoped to attract key interstate buyers.

“There is opportunity to capitalise on this through cattle buying associated business, some real cross-marketing opportunities,” Ms Hyam said.

“The application also recognised that mine companies have a significant number of head of cattle in the district, mining offset land being used to graze cattle and the importance of keeping our economy diversified, agriculture is a significant part of the Singleton way of life and its character.”

The $2.9 million to be spent on Ryan Avenue is a key component of the town centre masterplan that has already received $9million in Resources for Regions funds.

The road surface will be upgraded to better handle heavy traffic, both sides of the road will have improved kerb and guttering and improvements will be made to street lighting and pedestrian access.

“There are some nice green areas on this side of town and it will make this area a lot more conducive to use in a nice way,” she said.

With one more round of Resources for Regions funding expected in the coming financial year, Singleton Council has already begun strategic planning to further enact the town centre masterplan with a focus on Campbell Street and the area near Singleton Railway Station.

“It is about having the projects ready to go,” she said. 

Cr Martin said council’s success in Resources for Regions reflected the hard work by council’s general manager and council staff.

“My thanks go to those involved who have put us in this position, to have our submissions successful,” Cr Martin said.