COUNCIL is making a cash grab with the state government offering $200 million in funding for sports projects across NSW.
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Twelve potential developments have been ranked by priority, with a $1.5 million application for a new hydrotherapy pool near Monkton Aquatic Centre at the top of the list.
Armidale Regional Council mayor Simon Murray said Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall had encouraged them to apply for all 12.
“We have applied for $8.6 million worth of projects, I just hope they all get through,” he said.
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“It would be a terrific boost for the community if we can get all those projects, with developments from Tingha right through to Armidale.”
In order of priority, council voted to support a new hydrotherapy pool, Mother of Ducks Lagoon upgrade, a super playground in Curtis Park, a Tingha Skate Park upgrade, the Guyra Community Hub, Armidale Gymnastics Centre, New England Mountain Bike Club, North Armidale Tennis Club, the Guyra Polocrosse Club, Hockey New England, the Armidale Tennis Club and the Guyra Gun Club.
Armidale Regional Council councillor Ian Tiley said he was excited to support a number of new potential projects for the region.
“We were told that there’s every chance that we could get all of these projects,” he said.
“Let’s give them all a tick – submit them and give it our best shot.”
Disappointed the Stronger Country Community Funds were mainly for sports groups, Cr Margaret O’Connor voted against the motion.
“In my view the absolute priority is the park – much as I have sympathy, we have a hydrotherapy pool here but we don’t have a decent park for children,” she said.
But, $1.65 million of the round two funding is required to target local sports facilities.
The minimum amount council can request for a project is $50,000, and must make a co-contribution of 25 per cent for any developments that cost more than $1 million.
A new hydrotherapy pool will come with a $2 million price tag, and council will need to contribute $500,000.
If council keeps the budget for the super playground to under $1 million, it will only need to spend the $500,000 for the hydrotherapy pool.
The applications were submitted by May 4.