$5 Million Project Funding for Federation Council
Published on 09 January 2019
On the 21st December 2018 the NSW State Government announced further funding for Federation Council.
Member for Albury Greg Aplin announced a $5.59 million funding package for Federation Council as part on an on-going commitment to local councils.
The funding package includes:
- $3.48 million for Corowa Swimming Pool. This will fully fund the pool based on estimates, and other grants and funds allready earmarked for the pool, for Option 4 as adopted by Council, with heating also to be investigated.
- $1 million for the new Howlong Multi-Purpose Hall and Gymnasium proposed for Lowe Square at Howlong. This will part fund the project, with further final design to now occur, and funds to be sought, now that this commitment has been made.
- $434,469 for the Urana Aquatic Centre Leisure Centre Building. This will fully fund the project based on estimates, and compliment community held funds of around $250,000 in cash, and earlier funding received from the State Government under Round Two of the Stronger Country Communities program.
- $300,000 to upgrade and seal Wemyss Road at Mulwala. This will compliment the Mulwala Ski Clubs grant of a similar amount for internal road works and upgrades to the Max Kirwin Ski Park, to greatly enhance the ability of the centre to continue to attract National events.
- $271,785 in additional funding towards council amalgamation costs.
- $100,000 for air conditioning for the Corowa Civic Bowls Club.
Mr Aplin said he is excited to see work begin on these projects.
"These worthwhile projects will improve the lifestyle and amenity of residents with new and upgraded sport and recreation facilities," Mr Aplin said. "It will also deliver a much-needed road upgrade and additional funding towards the cost of creating the new council."
The funding is in addition to the $15 million the NSW Government provided to the council when it was created in May 2016 towards upfront administration costs and to kick-start delivery of community infrastructure.
Mr Aplin said Federation Council is taking advantage of the partnership with the state government to deliver great outcomes for the community. "Regional councils do a fantastic job in the face of unique and ongoing challenges and the Government will continue to support Federation Council to deliver for the community," Mr Aplin said.
Mayor Pat Bourke said Council was thrilled to hear the news of further funding for Federation Council.
"To allow the Council to continue in earnest with finalising designs and calling for construction of the new Corowa Pool complex, knowing that it will be fully funded or close to, without the burden of significant loan funding, is terrific news. The other projects are also long held priorities for those areas and to allow such a large amount to be directed to kick starting a much needed Community Centre at Howlong, is also great news.
The Mulwala Water Ski Club have long lobbied Council to upgrade Wemyss Road, and it didn't qualify under any road funding given the many other higher priority roads within the Shire, but to invest in this on a economic development and tourism basis is a great way to continue to ensure Mulwala can continue to attract world class ski events.
Council will be working in earnest over the next two and half years to deliver these exciting projects, and I can't thank the NSW Government and particularly our local Member Greg Aplin, for the support they have given Federation Council."