Junee set for $1.3m funding boost upon Coalition victory

JUNEE is set to reap the benefits of a Coalition victory at the upcoming federal election, with Nationals Member for Riverina Federal Michael McCormack pledging $1.3 million to improve the towns roads, infrastructure and sporting facilities. 

The former Deputy Prime Minister has promised to put $280,000 towards upgrading ground lighting at Laurie Daley Oval and Burns Park — two of Junee’s most important sporting venues.

The total cost of the lighting project is expected to be $360,000, with the Coalition pledging to cover the majority of the spend.

“Improved lighting at Laurie Daley Oval and Burns Park will allow for extended use of the facilities, particularly during winter when darkness sets in before 5pm,” Mr McCormack said.

The upgrades aim to increase participation in local sport and give teams more training time during the cooler months.

Mr McCormack paid tribute to Junee’s rich sporting culture, noting its status as the hometown of Rugby League Hall of Famer and current NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley.

“I played junior rugby league with the Junee Diesels around the same time Laurie was coming through the ranks — he was a star then and he’s still a massive figure in Australian sport,” he said.

Daley went on to play 330 first-grade games, win three premierships with the Canberra Raiders, captain the NSW State of Origin side, and coach the Blues from 2013 to 2017. He will return as coach again this year.

Willow Park was renamed Laurie Daley Oval in 2013, while Burns Park honours the late Alan Burns, who served as Junee’s Town Clerk for 25 years and dedicated 44 years to local government.

“Burns Park is a wonderful soccer facility, and this upgrade will help take it to the next level,” Mr McCormack added.

Michael McCormack has promised $280,000 to upgrade ground lighting at Laurie Daley Oval and Burns Park | Source: Supplied

Junee Shire Mayor Cr Bob Callow welcomed the commitment, saying the lighting upgrades would not only improve the experience for players and spectators by opening the door to night games and longer training hours, but also support the broader community.

He also praised Mr McCormack’s ongoing advocacy.

“Michael knows Junee’s needs and never hesitates to support the community,” Cr Callow said.

In addition to sporting upgrades, Junee could also be in line to receive $1.28 million for roads and community infrastructure, as part of the Coalition’s pledge to restore the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.

The program, which was scrapped in Labor’s most recent budget, would be revived with a $1 billion injection under a Coalition government.

Mr McCormack said the announcement showed the Coalition was serious about backing the bush.

“The announcement is a huge reaffirmation of the commitment the Coalition has to regional Australia,” Mr McCormack said.

Speaking outside his Wagga electorate office on Tuesday, he revealed that $27 million would be shared across 12 Riverina councils — with $14.6 million going to road improvements and $12.5 million earmarked for community infrastructure.

Twelve Riverina councils will share in $27 million to improve local roads and infrastructure if the Coalition wins the May election | Source: Supplied

Mr McCormack acknowledged the condition of rural roads had significantly worsened, and councils were eager for funding to flow.

“We hear the frustration about the state of regional roads and the lack of investment from Labor,” he said. “We believe country areas deserve the same support as our major cities — and we’re ready to act.”

He confirmed that all Mayors across the newly redistributed Riverina electorate had been briefed, and early feedback was enthusiastic.

“I have reached out to every Mayor in the redistributed Riverina electorate to inform them of the announcement [and] judging by the response I’ve heard so far, I can confidently say Councils are excited to see this funding come through.”

If the Coalition is elected in May, funding would begin rolling out in the 2025–26 financial year.