A FORMER Corowa mayor has declared the merger with Urana an unqualified success with extra cash being spent projects under the enlarged Federation Council area.
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The state government merger contribution of $10 million has not been fully spent since the 2016 union.
An unallocated $832,664 plus accumulated interest was re-directed to 11 projects still be completed yesterday by the council.
The beneficiaries include former Urana Shire towns of Rand, Oaklands and Urana.
Ex-mayor, Cr Fred Longmire said the funding was proof the former Urana Shire’s reluctance to merge was misplaced.
“I’m not sure how many other councils throughout the state have the opportunity to say ‘it’s on its way and is doing a good job’,” he said.
“You’ve only got to have a look at the scoreboard.”
Mayor Pat Bourke, who was part of the former Urana Shire before the merger, said the staff needed to be congratulated on the allocation of funds.
“We’ve made sure we didn’t leave any communities or villages out,” he said.
“It’s a great look for a merged council.”
The biggest recipient was Corowa’s Bangerang Park playground upgrade with an additional $150,000.
But the Oaklands medical centre and RV park development received $137,358 and $80,000 respectively.
Howlong skate park and tennis courts received $67,290 and $54,978 respectively.
A total of $144,202 still remains and will be used where required.
Corowa swimming pool, Mulwala all-abilities playground, Victoria Park development and roads and drainage upgrades remain in scoping stages.