However, an additional $50 million could fund major projects in Orange like the re-lining of the swimming pool, construction of a Spring Street bridge or a new childcare centre.

An immediate allocation of $300 million to local governments across the country was of little news to Orange Mayor Reg Kidd who said submissions on $250 million worth of Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program Funding were prepared months ago.

Orange’s $875,000 is part of this program.

“[The $300 million] is split into two, the first lot is the $250 million under the Community Infrastructure Program,” Cr Kidd said.

“The other $50 million will be part of the Strategic Projects Competitive fund.”

Cr Kidd said the only news in the prime minister’s announcement was of new guidelines to dictate how Orange’s share of funding would be spent.

However, the extra $50 million could fund a project valued up to $2 million.

Cr Kidd would not reveal what this project might be other than to say it had to do with the region’s natural resources.

Orange City Council delegate to the Australian Council of Local Governments, Gavin Priestley, said there would be some good opportunities for councils in the Central West to make use of the funding.

“It is good news but the issue now is it’s all up to the councils to get some good submissions together,” Cr Priestley said.

Cr Priestley attended the conference instead of Mayor Reg Kidd who wanted to remain in Orange to greet about 300 delegates to this week’s Carbon Farming Expo.

Deputy Mayor Glenn Taylor was also unable to attend due to work commitments but said Cr Priestley was more than capable of representing Orange and reporting back to council.

Orange’s neighbours, Cabonne Council, received $391,000 in infrastructure program funding and Blayney $289,000. Regionally, Bathurst Regional Council picked up $959,000, Dubbo City Council $1,058,000, Lithgow $529,000, Parkes $543,000, Forbes $494,000 and Cowra $448,000.