Cr Stewart said the visit was an important step in securing funding for the site that he labelled unacceptable. 

“The current condition of the sewage works is poor, it’s very old and the main concern for me is the odour. 

“You can smell the odour from the sewage works at the high school and primary school,” he said. 

Cr Stewart said the council  hopes Dr Hendy will come on board with a plan that divides the cost between the federal government (50 per cent), the state government (25 per cent) and Bombala Shire Council (25 per cent).

“This would be the ideal situation for us,” he said.

“We have estimated the cost at between $6-7 million to upgrade the sewage treatment works and we just don’t have the resources in Bombala to do that.

“I think taking him [Dr Hendy] to the site made him see how important it is and how much work it needs.” 

Dr Hendy said that after visiting the site, he understood the sewage treatment works was a top priority for the region. 

“I see that this issue needs to be a top priority for the Bombala area and I understand Mayor Stewart is also in talks with state member, John Barilaro,” Dr Hendy said. 

“At this stage there are no commitments but as I said to Mayor Stewart it is an important issue and I am looking into what funding could be used by the project. 

“I believe that we may be able to apply for some funding that is allocated towards the project and I have started the process for this.” 

Cr Stewart said there was an increasing problem with algae in the Bombala River.

“The EPA seem to be OK with the waterways but I don’t think it’s OK. 

“I think this would be unacceptable in any other community and it shouldn’t be acceptable for us.” 

Cr Stewart and Dr Hendy also discussed mobile service coverage in the Bombala region.

“We had a good morning with Peter and we discussed a couple of major issues that concern the local area,” Cr Stewart said.