INFRASTRUCTURE upgrades and job creation are at the top of Bombala Mayor Bob Stewart’s wish list for the region in the 2014-2015 Federal Budget to be handed down in Canberra on Tuesday night.
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Cr Stewart said the upgrades were needed to boost the community – and he’ll be expecting the state government to also chip in when its budget is announced on June 17.
While the Abbott government has braced taxpayers for a tough but equitable budget, Cr Stewart is keeping the focus on the local projects he wants to see receive their share of funding.
He told the Bombala Times this week that money for the town’s sewage treatment plant and roads were his priorities.
“We will be seeking both federal and state government funding to assist with the major project of the sewage treatment plant,” Cr Stewart said.
“The funding plan that we have proposed will be supported with 50 per cent state government funding, 25 per cent federal funding and 25 per cent from Bombala Shire Council.
“We are expecting this upgrade to cost somewhere around $5 million to $6 million so we will need some assistance.
“This is a big upgrade that needs to happen.
“The facility that is there is just simply worn down after being built in the 1950s and at the moment does not have the best environmental outcome for the Bombala River.”
Cr Stewart also hopes the 2014-15 federal budget will help new industries and jobs growth in the region.
“Overall, I’d like to see some good economic growth in the community,” Cr Stewart said.
“Council will be supportive of industries that create jobs, be it the timber industry or any other.
“If we want people to live here we need to give them jobs and support any businesses or industries that create jobs,” he said.
Roads used by the timber industry are also under the spotlight after Bombala Council received $450,000 grant to improve Bucky Springs Road, Mila Road and Cathcart Road over the next three years.
“We will also be pushing for more funding for those roads from the
government to keep those roads in good condition and support the timber industry.”