Photo caption: Nationals candidate for Barwon Annette Turner, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton, NSW Minister for Western NSW Dugald Saunders, artist Margaret Windeyer and Gilgandra Shire Council deputy mayor Ash Walker at the Big ArmaTree.
Goulburn has the Big Merino, Coffs Harbour has the Big Banana, Nyngan has the Big Bogan, and now Armatree is firmly on the NSW tourism map following the official opening of the “Big ArmaTree”.
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders visited the town with Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton on Thursday to open the artwork, which was designed by renowned artist Margaret Windeyer.
“The Big ArmaTree was funded through the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, which delivers meaningful investment into every regional community in NSW,” Mr Saunders said.
“There are a lot of tourists who make their way across the state getting photos of the unique ‘Big Things’ we have, and I believe this will bring people to not only Armatree but other parts of Western NSW.”
A total of $149,050 was provided to Gilgandra Shire Council for its village beautification project, which as well as the Big ArmaTree also included a link between Tooraweenah and the viewing platform on the John Renshaw Parkway.
A further $237,317 was provided to the council as part of its Shire Parks Program, part of which was allocated to new history boards at Armatree Memorial Park that reflects the history of the village and its involvement with military service.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said $73,051 in funding provided through the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program was used to deliver Stage 2 of the upgrades to the Armatree Memorial Precinct, home to the Big ArmaTree and history boards.
“This funding has helped beautify the area, connecting all elements of the precinct together through pathways, landscaping, lighting and signage boards,” Mr Coulton said.
“The footpaths and wayfinding signage has created a circuit for visitors to engage with and learn about the village and district’s history, while the landscaping and lighting enhances safety and the overall look of the precinct.
“I have no doubt that this will become a popular destination for tourists, and I’m pleased the former Coalition Government was able to contribute to this fantastic project.
“The LRCI program is providing a vital boost for local councils, backing local jobs and economic growth while delivering important projects like this one that will benefit the community for years to come.”
Gilgandra Shire Council mayor Doug Batten thanked the Australian and NSW governments for supporting this project.
“The Big ArmaTree and history boards provide a key piece to Armatree’s tourism puzzle. They draw people into town and encourage them to spend longer in the region,” Cr Batten said.
“The history boards detail Armatree’s past, including the soldier settler program and agricultural connection, but they also show in detail how the village has grown and developed.
“The federal funding for the Armatree landscaping project provided the linking elements to the Armatree Memorial Precinct, with the signage and pathways connecting the space into a coherent whole.
“The upgrades also increased accessibility and the attractiveness of the precinct as a tourist attraction.”
The $660 million Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is being invested in local projects that improve the lives of people living in regional NSW. For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/sccf
The Australian Government’s $3 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
