The $540,000 revitalisation of the Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall will soon attract tourists from afar and become a great community asset, the Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said today after a site inspection.
“The KMI hall had been renovated numerous times over its life and lost some of its character and beauty, its entrance was even moved off the main street,” he said.
“The Council came to me because they wanted to restore the historic hall to its former glory, upgrade the sound and lighting in the main auditorium, and create a cultural space.
“This is going to be a wonderful community asset.
“Kyogle is the gateway to the Northern Rivers for many domestic and international visitors travelling from the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
“The well-used and loved Memorial Institute Hall will attract even more tourists, creating jobs and generating income for local businesses.”
An economic impact assessment by Regional Development Australia found the project would add more than $360,000 to the local economy during the construction phase and then $800,000 over the next decade.
Work includes the reinstatement of the building’s original entrance from the main street, alterations to the first floor area to create a space for an art gallery and cultural area, a new lift, new display areas to showcase the historic features of the hall and its uses over time, new lighting and a sound booth in the main auditorium.
Kyogle Mayor Danielle Mulholland said the upgrade of the KMI had been driven by the community and involved a wide ranging community consultation process,
“This project is the fruition of all that hard work,” she said.
“Delivering these outcomes for the community is a result of great advocacy and lobbying, good relationships and networks, and a strong and effective federal member, Kevin Hogan, who has helped secure the funding for this important community initiative.”
The Federal Government contributed $267,000 to the upgrade under the first round of the Coalition Government’s new Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) – Infrastructure Projects Stream, which has been matched by Kyogle Council.
Major projects Kevin Hogan has delivered for our community include:
- $15 million for expansion of Norco’s Ice-cream factory
- $17 million in grants for nine job-creating projects
- More than 300 new Aged Care beds
- New Headspace in Grafton
- Redevelopment of Oakes Oval.
- New Northern Rivers Regional Art Gallery
- Expanded North Coast Regional Hockey Complex
- Maclean Riverside Precinct
- Casino Amphitheatre
- Southern Cross Lads Safe Driving Course
- Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club
- Wollongbar Club House
- Kyogle Aquatic Centre
- Upgrade of Casino Saleyard
- Sealed road to Toonumbar Dam
- Repair of Woodburn to Coraki Road
- Coffs Harbour bypass
- Revitalisation of Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall
- Major upgrade of Culmaran Creek Road
- Upgrade of Harwood Mill and Refinery
- Replacing 20 wooden bridges in Kyogle
- Upgraded Albert Park Baseball Complex
- Upgrade of Casino Hospital Emergency Department
- Six new Trade Training Centres
- Record bulk billing rates
- Record funding for our local schools
- Record health funding
