Councillors have unanimously put their support behind three major projects in the Macleay Valley. The projects, which include the fixing local roads program, Kempsey Airport upgrades and the establishment of a Country Universities Centre in Kempsey, have all previously been allocated funding by the NSW State and Federal Governments. At Tuesday's council meeting, councillors accepted the funding for the three projects which will now progress to further stages of development. Related content: Kempsey Shire Council has accepted the grant funding under the fixing local roads program with works to include: Councillor Mark Baxter spoke for the motion at the council meeting and said fixing local roads will benefit the entire Macleay Valley. "I want to thank the Government for this investment in the valley which will help fix our roads across the Macleay," he said. Council also moved a recommendation that authorises general manager Craig Milburn to enter into a funding deed for the airside pavement improvement and upgrade projects announced under the Regional Airports Program for Kempsey Airport. Council has received $327,928 from the Australian Government's Regional Airport Program for the safety upgrades which include: Council also noted at the meeting that the NSW State and Federal Government funding has been confirmed for the establishment of the Country Universities Centre Macleay Valley in Kempsey. The centre is expected to be operational by semester 1, 2021 and will be located in Kempsey Central. Councillor Sue McGinn spoke for the motion at the meeting and said the establishment of the centre in Kempsey has been an important goal for council. "Council have worked hard to get a Country Universities Centre established in the Macleay Valley and it will be fabulous for the community and for young people to be able to get a higher education without having to relocate," she said. The significant contribution by council staff in the successful establishment of the Country Universities Centre was also noted during the meeting. The three recommendations relating to the projects were passed unanimously by council, with all councillors supporting the projects moving forward.