It's the kind of money that councils dream off.
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$3 million to spend on whatever projects they like, as long as they can make some kind of connection back to where that money comes from.
In the case of round seven of the revamped Resources for Regions program those funds come from mining royalties paid by mining companies, in our region it's of course Newcrest's Cadia Valley Operation.
The program was once a competitive tender affair with some council areas missing out completely on any funds, or receiving smaller, relatively ineffectual amounts.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said that after a review each of the 24 eligible local government areas would receive a base amount of $1,000,000, with a further $26 million weighted to the most mining affected communities.
"Every year our vibrant mining towns contribute to the NSW economy, but this success can place extra pressure on local infrastructure or create unique and diverse needs that are specific to mining communities," he said.
Blayney Shire Council mayor Scott Ferguson said that council wouldn't be developing brand new projects with the money, but would be looking at those larger projects already endorsed by the community.
One of those projects is a new water treatment system to treat the effluent that is no longer being used by CVO.
"We're really excited to look at building a small water-treatment plant to enhance our drought proofing strategies to ensure that our sporting grounds have enough water and to maybe even sell it to users that may need it," he said.
Other large projects that may benefit from the funds are the Belubula River Walk, solar panels on the roof of CentrePoint and larger road projects.
"This is coming on top of Stronger Country Communities and COVID-19 funds which is helping to pay for some of the smaller projects such as CWA halls, footpaths, sporting ground upgrades and showgrounds.
"Now we can revisit some of the larger programs and look at completing ones like stage two and three of the Belubula River Walk which has been endorsed by the community."
The recently completed upgrade of the pool at CentrePoint could be powered by solar panels, or even have the roof fully insulated to lower operating costs.
There are always roads that need fixing too.
"We have a large road network to the north of the shire that links the mine to the Mid-western Highway and Mitchell Highway and receives a huge amount of traffic. Safety is a big priority on those roads," Cr Ferguson said.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Mark Logan
Started working in newspapers in the 1990's in the darkroom of the Pastoral Times in Deniliquin before moving to Millthorpe in 2003. Soon after arriving I started as a photographer at the CWD. Now a journalist at the Blayney Chronicle.
Started working in newspapers in the 1990's in the darkroom of the Pastoral Times in Deniliquin before moving to Millthorpe in 2003. Soon after arriving I started as a photographer at the CWD. Now a journalist at the Blayney Chronicle.
