TAMWORTH’S mayor has called on the state government to crack open the “war-chest” and do something significant with the regions, before next year’s election.
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The NSW budget will be fully released on Tuesday and there’s high hopes in the halls of Ray Walsh House for some cash careening towards a couple of long-needed road fixes.
Goonoo Goonoo Road, near Calala Lane, the Port Stephens Cutting and the replacement of the Jewry Street roundabout with traffic lights were at the top of Col Murray’s state funding wishlist.
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However, there’s a state vote less than a year away and there’s anticipation some marquee council projects could turn into election promises.
“If we look at the type of funding the NSW government has in the war-chest and particularly those public assets that have been sold over the last few years,” Cr Murray said.
“I think there is the opportunity to do something significant around the regions.”
The mayor said projects like the city’s new performing arts centre and a potential aquatic facility could end-up becoming election promises.
“I think both of those projects would be more likely a discussion we’d be having prior to next election,” he said.
While long-term water security has become a looming topic in Tamworth, council won’t be holding its breath for funding to expand Dungowan Dam, in this year’s budget, following a blow-out in the estimated cost.
“We really do need to get some long term water security,” Cr Murray said.
“Are we expecting to get three or four hundred million from the state?
“No, but certainly something towards Tamworth’s long term growth.”