Cowra mayor Bill West is waiting on more detail before giving a final seal of approval for this week’s NSW budget.
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As part of the budget NSW regional centres are set to share in a $1 billion Regional Growth: Economic Activation Fund.
The State government also renewed a pledge to invest 30 per cent, or $6 billion, of its $20 billion Rebuilding NSW plan in regional NSW to ensure all communities experience the benefits of proceeds from the partial sale of the poles and wires businesses.
A commitment of $200 million over three years for the Strong Country Communities Fund which is designed to fund improvements to community facilities such as swimming pools, health centres, bike paths, playgrounds and community halls.
“The Regional Growth fund is something we’ll be watching with interest,” Cr West said.
No specific allocations relating to Cowra Shire were announced as part of the budget announcement.
“There are really not enough details to comment about it at the moment,” Cr West said.
“As is always the case with these things the devil is always in detail and the accessibly to (the funding) will depend on the detail.
“Having said that we’ll be looking at it with great interest and pursing funding wherever possible,” cr West said.
Member for Cootamundra Katrina Hodgkinson hailed Tuesday Budget as a red-letter day for the Cootamundra electorate and an historic boost for local roads, education, health and infrastructure.
Among the raft of major announcements for the electorate are:
* New ambulance stations for Cootamundra and Cowra, as well as funding to complete new stations in Harden, Coolamon and Ardlethan.
* More than $84 million to be ploughed into the region's roads. Major projects include: $19m to continue Gocup Road improvements; $7m for Newell Highway realignment at Grong Grong; $4m for West Wyalong truck bypass; $2m for Mid-Western Highway pavement upgrades plus many more.
* New state-of-the-art Connected Learning Centres at Narrandera and Grenfell TAFEs.
* $8.8 million for sewage treatment plant upgrades.
* Young High School library to be upgraded.
* Funding for the Linking Communities Education Van to tour the region and address issues of domestic and family violence.
"This is a powerhouse Budget for the Cootamundra electorate that has delivered a windfall for local roads, health, schools and infrastructure," Ms Hodgkinson said.
"These many projects will mean better services for local communities and will help stimulate jobs and economic growth."
