“I am so proud to announce that the NSW Government has delivered on its promise of finding the shortfall in costs that were identified by the Hilltops Council following the successful amalgamation of the Young, Boorowa and Harden councils,” Ms Cooke said.

During the announcement, Ms Cooke thanked Councillor Wendy Tuckerman for identifying the shortfall while she was in the role of administrator and started the ball rolling to apply for NSW Government funding.

“This announcement is testament to all of those, both in Hilltops Council and the NSW Government, who have worked so very hard to deliver this for those it affected,” Ms Cooke said.

“I would like to thank Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Minister for Local Government Gabrielle Upton for meeting the council’s request for additional funds towards the cost of amalgamation.”

In the same announcement, Ms Cooke released the news that a further $3.16 million in funding has been made for 22 community projects in the Hilltops region.

Harden Murrumburrah is the recipient of almost half of the available funding, which includes $432,000 for golf course irrigation at Harden Country Club and $364,316 for the complete bronzing of the statue of Bill the Bastard at Murrumburrah.

There’s also $269,148 for electrical upgrades at Murrumburrah Showground, $140,000 for Harden Murrumburrah Historical Society’s Mackay Lighthorse Memorial, $54,722 for the Harden Pony Club, $30,000 for the junior rugby league club to purchase a food van and storage and $13,356 to upgrade the doors at Zac’s Place.

“Hilltops Council has done a terrific job since its creation  to ensure it is in the best possible position to deliver for its community,” Ms Cooke said.

“This funding package will provide much-needed facilities to a wide range of groups and organisations who give so much to the local community,” she said.