AN upgrade to Albury’s QEII Square, redeveloped Corowa pool and better sewerage piping were nominated by Border councils as priorities for federal government spending.
The councils were responding to news the Labor government earmarked $800?million for regional infrastructure projects in its deal with the independents.
The major injection of money comes from the Priority Regional Infrastructure Program, which funds projects identified by regional communities.
Corowa Mayor Gary Poidevin said the program was “long overdue”.
“Both the federal and the state governments are finally starting to talk about infrastructure programs and this could bring it up a lot quicker and a lot closer,” Cr Poidevin said.
After previously failing to secure federal funding for the redevelopment of the Corowa pool and the Corowa Bowling Club precinct, Cr Poidevin said the council would now try again.
“We’ve been in the last two grants that the federal government had out for infrastructure and we’ve been very close but have missed out,” Cr Poidevin said.
Greater Hume mayor Denise Osborne said key water and sewage infrastructure in Woomargama, Gerogery and the proposed Holbrook industrial estate were a priority.
“Woomargama and Gerogery do not have sewerage, they rely on septic systems and in 2010 that is not something we’d like to see for an extended period of time,” Cr Osborne said.
Albury Mayor Alice Glachan said she would like to see existing infrastructure plans for the city sped up.
“We would not be pulling any rabbits out of any hats for requests but simply promoting and continuing to work for the projects that we’ve already agreed with the community on,” Cr Glachan said.
Continuing the upgrade of QEII Square, work on the Murray River frontage, central business district road upgrades, work at the Lavington Sports Centre and the Botanic Gardens would all be considered in a funding push, Cr Glachan said.
Wodonga Mayor Mark Byatt said it was “too early” to name particular projects he would like funded through the program.
“It needs to fit in line with priorities of the region, so you’ve really got to sit down and have a look at the projects and have a look at your infrastructure priorities,” Cr Byatt said.
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