Mr Aplin, who announced his retirement in early August, made more significant funding announcements in his electorate on Tuesday with a combined $7.4 million across three local government areas including $3.6 million on projects in Federation Council.

But the veteran Liberal MP confirmed the search for his replacement had been held up by the recent Wagga by-election where his party lost the seat to an independent, and the upcoming Wentworth by-election to find a successor for former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Mr Aplin said up to four contenders were eyeing off his job after the recent closure of nominations.

“Obviously there have been some delays in that process,” he said.

“The important part is to have someone who already has roots in the community and has established a reputation for hard work already and some life experience.

“From my perspective we need to get the best person, a person with integrity and a person who is desiring to work hard for the community and comes from this community.

“I will certainly be here assisting where I can act as a mentor.”

The latest funding announcement follows a $3.1 million state government contribution to the Lavington Sportsground redevelopment revealed last week.

The projects in Federation Council range from $750,000 for a splash park as part of the Corowa swimming pool redevelopment to upgrades at sporting facilities at Oaklands, Urana, Rand, Morundah, Rennie and Howlong.

Mr Aplin also announced $994,000 would be spent on the Jerilderie preschool and long day care facility and $1.33 million for the town’s pool.

Federation councillor Paul Miegel said a splash park had always been a key component of the Corowa pool upgrade which had a separate $1 million state government funding grant sitting in the bank from 2016.

“The tender documents for the design are to be released very shortly,” he said.

“The dream result would be a 50-metre pool that could be used all-year round.”