Albury councillor Darren Cameron says COVID costs mean convention centre work should be put on hold

He says if he is re-elected he will argue for it to be delayed, based on the city's financial state.

"Due to the effects of COVID and depreciation write downs, Albury City is in deficit for the first time in many years," Cr Cameron said.

"The next council will have to decide whether to proceed with this $18.5m project.

"If elected, I and others on our ticket will not support going ahead with this upgrade until the city is back in the black and in a strong financial position."

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Cr Cameron likened the situation to other recent major works in the city which have seen ratepayers left with a large bill.

"It is being suggested that there will be state and or federal funding for this project, but that was the case with MAMA and the Lavington sports centre upgrade (both projects I voted against) and there was still massive cost to ratepayers," he said.

"We need to learn to live within our budget, and within our means as a council and not be continually looking for the next big budget project."

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