THERE was no budget handout, but the state government has offered to hold Tamworth Regional Council’s hand as it chases down two key projects.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro met with council on Friday morning and pledged his “guidance and assistance” to ensure Tamworth’s anticipated intermodal terminal and plans for international freight through the airport come to fruition.
Mr Barilaro’s earlier pledge to turbo-charge regional NSW with big budget spending bypassed Tamworth with no funding for the rail upgrade at the center of council’s intermodal plan.
RELATED STORY: Did Tamworth miss the funding-train?
“What was in the budget, was the buckets of money that actually fund projects,” Mr Barialro said.
“The intermodal and international freight opportunity here in Tamworth will change the broader region.
“It will be an up-lifter for the economy of NSW and it will be all driven by Tamworth.”
Mr Barilaro said funding for the projects would be available in the $1.3 billion regional growth fund announced in this week’s budget.
While no money has changed hands, Mr Barilaro talked up the value of state guidance.
“It’s also about helping the council navigate through what is going to be a very complex project when you’re talking about international freight opportunity,” he said.
The Deputy Premier said Tamworth was key to unlocking growth in the state.
“Tamworth can’t be left behind,” he said.
“That’s why the government, through its regional development framework, identified this region as one for the state government to be focused on.”
Mayor Col Murray said it was an encouraging offer, despite missing out on earlier funding.
“This is not just about asking the government for money,” he said.
“This is asking the government for assistance, for guidance, for partnering to work with us, on what we believe is an absolute ground-breaker for Tamworth and the regional economy.”