Gunnedah Urban Landcare Group purchases new tractor

The group used almost $22,000 in funding received through the 2018 Community Building Partnership Program and extra funding raised by the group itself to purchase the tractor.

It features a front end loader, slasher, and other equipment which can be connected to it.

The machinery will be used to maintain areas in town like Pensioner's Hill, Cushan's Reserve, and Porcupine Reserve.

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GULG member Owen Hasler said the new tractor would be great for planting new trees and shrubs, and the slasher would be helpful "when we get a wet season".

"They're just some of the tasks it'll be used for and with a digger it'll be very helpful ... putting up fencing and what not when we're doing those tasks in the area," Mr Hasler said.

Mr Hasler said new equipment like the tractor went a long way in helping to beautify the areas for both locals and visitors.

"The number of visitors, both local and the travelling public in caravans and motor-homes, that come up here on a daily basis really makes it all worthwhile, apart from working in a lovely environment," he said.

Mr Hasler also thanked Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson for his help in gaining the funding for the tractor.

"It's really positive to have the support of the local member in recognising that this work we're doing is important and, while we raise our own funds for a lot of our projects, [with] a significant purchase like this it certainly helps to have a government grant," he said.

The GULG member said GS Kidd Memorial School students were also doing a great job with looking after the areas.

"They're doing things like putting in new plants, watering every week so we keep the young trees and shrubs going in this very dry period, mulching, and weeding of the gardens," Mr Hasler said.

"For them it's getting out in the community, doing something different, and they've proven to be a delightful bunch ... with their own skills and sense of humour."

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