Premier Gladys Berejiklian meets with local residents, announces funding for the Macleay

While the visits were brief, they brought the good news of some much-needed funding for our area.

Local Member Melinda Pavey and the Premier announced $310,704 in funding will go towards replacing the exterior boundary fence and rebuilding of the covered arena at the Kempsey Showground.

Kempsey Showground coordinator Lisa Powlesland said the funding is a big boost for the showground and the community.

"We're hoping to have these works completed for the 2021 Kempsey Show in April, so that we will be able to put on a fantastic show that the community really deserves," she said.

$114,389 in funding was also announced to refurbish and upgrade the Stuarts Point Community Hall which will include internal work, car park improvements, construction of a deck and installation of solar power. Ms Berejiklian's visit to Stuarts Point also marked the first time a Premier has stopped over in the coastal town.

$20,000 was also allocated to help in the eradication of Tropical Soda Apple weed at the Macleay River Catchment area, while $14,500 will go towards weed control from Grassy Head to Gladstone.

The Kundabung Community Hall also received much-needed funding that will go towards installing fencing and weatherproof awnings on three entry doors, the construction of an awning over the main outdoor entertaining area and the reduction of tree hazards around the hall.

"It's wonderful to be here for these funding announcements and to see the communities that work hard to get these facilities upgraded," Ms Berejiklian said.

"None of us have had an easy past 18 months and it's great to be able to reward communities for their work and to see how our communities are supporting each other."

As well as the funding announcements, the Kundabung Rural Fire Service Brigade were able to show off their brand new fully-automatic Category 1 tanker, complete with internal spray devices, heat shields which drop to cloak the cabin, a larger tank, and front monitor which enables the crew to fight a fire from inside the truck.

One of the most important parts of the Premier's visit, however, was a chance to speak with locals from the Kempsey Shire.

Mrs Pavey introduced Ms Berejiklian to local RFS volunteers, members of the Kempsey Show Society and students from the Mid North Coast Community College. The Premier also received a round of applause from locals when she arrived at the Kempsey Showground.

Mayor Liz Campbell thanked the Premier during her speech and said she hopes Ms Berejiklian will take her memories of the Macleay back to Sydney with her.

"I can't thank the Premier enough for the funding we have received and we can't wait to get these projects up and running," Cr Campbell said.

During the visit, Ms Berejiklian extended her appreciation for the strength regional towns across NSW have shown in recent months.

"I'm thrilled to be in the hard working, salt of the earth community here in Kempsey," she said.