NSW Local Government Minister Don Page has told Parliament today that councils with ailing infrastructure will benefit from millions of dollars in interest subsidies offered by the NSW Government under the Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme.

The five-year, $70 million Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme will pay the first 4% of the interest on significant loans that NSW councils take out specifically to pay for the maintenance of infrastructure projects such as roads, community halls, libraries, paths, parks, sports fields and water facilities.

Minister for the North Coast and Ballina MP Don Page, and fellow North Coast MPs Thomas George, Chris Gulaptis and Geoff Provest, have welcomed the landmark appointment of Steve Toms as the State’s first Cross Border Commissioner.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services Andrew Stoner today announced the appointment of Mr Toms, who has wide experience dealing with issues affecting rural and regional communities as a Land Manager for NSW Parks and Wildlife Service and Forests NSW, and as a councillor and Mayor at Glen Innes Severn Council.

Minister for the North Coast Don Page said he is disappointed by the news of job cuts at Ingham’s chicken processing plant at Byron Bay, but said he has been assured by the company today that it was a necessary measure and the company does have a long-term commitment to the area.