10 June 2020
Griffith City Council will receive just over $1 million under of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program to support jobs and businesses by delivering priority projects that will provide a boost to the local economy.
At the Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday night Councillors agreed to nominate the extension of festive lighting in Banna Avenue, the construction of a new car park in Railway Street, upgrade of City entrances and advancing items within Griffith’s Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) as the preferred local projects.
In selecting these projects, Council took into consideration the existing 10 Year Capital Works Plan, projects submitted by Council under previous grant funding programs that were unsuccessful and projects consistent with strategic planning documents endorsed by Council such as PAMP or the CBD Upgrade Strategy.
Griffith Mayor, Councillor John Dal Broi welcomed the Federal funding announcement designed to stimulate regional communities impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
“These funds will allow us to accelerate local projects that will provide economic stimulus as well as lasting community benefit through new infrastructure,” Councillor Dal Broi said.
“We need to ensure each of the projects nominated meets the criteria and importantly are “shovel ready” so that completion can be assured by 30 June 2021.
“We have extensive infrastructure development occurring in Olympic Street, including the 50M pool, skate park, pump track and the Community Centre/CUC that will generate need for additional parking.”
The expansion of Festive Lighting in Banna Avenue has been flagged as an important project by Griffith residents. An application, submitted by Council to NSW Stronger Country Communities Program Round 3 in September 2019, received strong support but was unsuccessful. Community consultation was carried out, with an overwhelming number of respondents keen to see the improvement and extension of festive lighting in the main street.
Meanwhile, the revamp of City entrances has also been identified as a priority for residents. The balance of the funds will be used to continue work to enhance public access around our Local Government Area.
“I’m glad we’ve got a good cross-section of projects on the list so we can achieve some positive outcomes for our community and get the best bang for our buck,” Councillor Dal Broi said.
Council’s nominated projects must be submitted to the Federal Government by 1 July 2020.
