The Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (RECC) funding was one of 24 projects allocated in the Upper Hunter receiving grants worth almost $17.5 million in round eight of the state government's Resources for Regions program

Muswellbrook council general manager Fiona Plesman welcomed the announcement of funding for the council's project.

"This ambitious project, the Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre, is arguably the most important stage in the revitalisation of the Muswellbrook town centre and embodies a broader transformation of the Upper Hunter, as outlined in council's Community Strategic Plan, as the region moves towards diversification the economy," Ms Plesman said.

"As the cornerstone of the civic services precinct the Centre will provide opportunities and facilities for creative industries and the community, cater for a performing arts program, community theatre and hire, conferences and commercial hire and feature individual and connected 'green' spaces to create a vibrant, diverse and active public space."

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell announced funding for the projects across the Muswellbrook, Singleton, Upper Hunter and Liverpool Plains local government areas on Wednesday, November 10 and thanked the four councils for their participation in the program.

"I want to thank our four participating councils for the projects that they have put forward, which with NSW Government support, will now spark investment activity worth almost $40 million across the electorate," Mr Layzell said.

"Singleton Council, for example, has been successful with ten infrastructure projects but has also attracted support for a mental health resilience and wellbeing program and a program to assist defence families with employment pathways.

"Whilst Upper Hunter Shire looks to the future with three business cases to be developed for prominent Scone locations including Campbells Corner, White Park and the Bill Rose Sporting Complex."

NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the program had been highly successful, with the first seven rounds of funding delivering 149 projects worth $345 million to mining communities since 2012.

"Mining plays a very important part in the NSW economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs across the state and it will continue to play a role in the Upper Hunter electorate for years to come, which is why we're investing in the future of mining regions," Mr Toole said.

"The NSW Government is committed to supporting regional mining towns that supply our state with the precious resources, and I am grateful for Upper Hunter Shire Council, Liverpool Plains Shire Council, Singleton Council and Muswellbrook Shire Council putting forward these projects which will support the ongoing prosperity of the local community."

In a statement, Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell said the Resources for Regions program is part of the state government's $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure for regional communities.