Safer journeys are on the way in Forbes and Parkes with projects rolling out under the latest round of the Australian and NSW Governments’ accelerated Fixing Local Roads program.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said Forbes and Parkes Shire Councils would share in more than $5.7 million in road funding to help tackle the increasing amount of work required to provide safe roads for their communities.

“Forbes Shire Council will receive $2,382,564 in joint funding to improve the Yarrabandai Road, which I know was affected by the recent heavy rainfall,” Mr McCormack said.

“Safe reliable roads are essential infrastructure for communities in regional New South Wales – by improving roads, we are making a big difference to people’s lives in ensuring they get home sooner and safer,” said the National’s Leader.

“We know improved roads are crucial to regional communities – the 16 successful road projects across the Riverina and Central West receiving $20,084,287 in funding from the NSW and Federal Governments, will play a big role in helping residents and businesses recover from the effects of bushfires, drought, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.”

NSW Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said that it was great to be able to work with the Federal Government to deliver these vital upgrades to local roads. “This program won’t just ease the burden of maintenance for local councils, but it will deliver safer, more reliable journeys for all local road users.”

Round 1 of the Fixing Local Roads Program saw $243.6 million of joint funding allocated to 253 projects in 83 Local Government Areas, and Round 2 will see $150 million allocated to more than 100 road projects in 90 Local Government Areas.

Forbes Ninja Playground, inspired by the televised Ninja Warrior series, opened last weekend just in time for Easter and the school holidays.

The park, which has been in the works for some time, has two courses to cater for junior and senior kids. It didn’t take long for crowds to flock.

The two kids courses share a three-metre-high warped wall, which is a feature of every course in the televised series and was certainly a hit last week.

The Ninja Park is located at Stephen Field, near the skate park, the location chosen after community consultation but debated by councillors due to its location in the floodway.

When councillors finally resolved the location of the park, based on community feedback, they then designed a flood emergency plan that includes the removing obstructive equipment during a flood event.

Despite recent rains, the park has held up well and will certainly be a popular attraction these school holidays. Will the next Australian Ninja Warrior come from the Forbes Shire?

Watch this space to see who will become Forbes next ninja warrior!

The phrase ‘a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush’ is the inspiration behind the latest sculpture to be unveiled as part of Sculpture Down the Lachlan (SDL) extension.

‘Bird in Hand’ by Gold Coast sculptor Michael ‘Mike’ Van Dam represents the profound responsibility of environmental preservation, sustainability and development bestowed upon humans.

“This sculpture reminds viewers that we need to preserve and protect this important environment and its future state, such as native birds and all fauna, are in our hands,” Mike said.

“This piece was made from 1600 meters of 10mm, 316 marine-grade, stainless steel chain, with 38 links per meter and 4 welds per link. This equates to just over 243,000 welds and took eight months to complete.”

The 6.5 metre, 3.5 tonne piece depicting a hyper-realistic hand cradling a great white egret, was unveiled at Straney’s Bridge, 37 kilometres from Forbes towards Condobolin.

‘Bird in Hand’ becomes the 14th sculpture featured along the SDL trail from Forbes to Condobolin.

Chair of the Forbes Arts Society (FAS) Dr Karen Ritchie said, “like much of Mike’s other work, ‘Bird in the Hand’ sends a strong message about responsible conservation of our natural environment”.

“We are so excited to launch the latest sculpture in the trail,” said Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM.

“It is beautifully made and its message will resonate with our locals, that’s for sure!”

The ‘Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project’ is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW program through the Regional Growth, Environment and Tourism Development Fund, the Forbes Arts Society, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Council and Evolution Mining.

For more information about the project, visit www.forbesartssociety.com