Of that, almost $1 million has been allocated to Berrigan Shire Council.
The remainder is open to community groups for eligible projects.
To help determine how it will spend its share of the Stronger Country Communities Fund allocation, council will go to the public.
Results from a community survey will help determine its infrastructure priority list.
Having had to abandon plans for the Tocumwal amphitheatre in its ongoing foreshore development due to funding constraints, council has suggested it could be one of the projects pursued.
It is estimated at $650,000.
With only a short period of time in which to submit their application, council has suggested a list of other projects that could be put forward.
It includes:
Scoped and costed projects
| Project | Estimate | Comment |
| Tocumwal Amphitheatre | $650,000 | Current estimate. Included in Tocumwal Foreshore Masterplan and 2022/23 Operational Plan. |
| Underground power – Chanter Stret, Berrigan | $500,000 | Addresses urgent need for maintenance of buildings in heritage conservation zone. Current estimate. No community consultation to date. |
| Shared pathway – Barooga to Tocumwal | $750,000 | 10.1km of path to join with existing path networks. Rough estimate. No design work undertaken. No community consultation to date |
| Tocumwal War Memorial Hall upgrade | $150,000 | Amenity and accessibility upgrade. Scalable depending on available funding. Not fully scoped. |
| Tocumwal WAAAF Creek bridges and boardwalk | $176,000 | 2018 estimate needs reviewing. Consultation included in masterplan development. |
| Mary Lawson Wayside Rest | Unknown | Masterplan prepared, including community consultation. Scalable to match available funding. |
| Barooga Street carpark, Tocumwal | Unknown | Still in design phase. No cost estimate available. Project estimates may include up to 25% contingency allowance and 10% administration allowance. The estimates above do not include either allowance |
In his report to council, deputy CEO Matthew Hansen suggested projects that could be put forward by the community include Finley Lake improvements, Finley Pioneer Rail improvements, Tocumwal Railway Station improvements and the Southern Riverina Wellness initiative.
“These projects should move beyond current day compliance standards and provide dignified and equitable inclusion to social and community programs for people with disability,” Mr Hansen said.
“Funding will support projects that improve community participation, liveable communities and accessibility and inclusion outcomes.
“These will assist people with disability and accessibility requirements to participate independently with equity and dignity.”
Applications for the funding close on September 23.
Results of the community survey will be tabled at the September 21 council meeting, after which council’s application will be finalised.
For more information about the Stronger Country Communities Fund, and to apply, go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/stronger-country-communities-fund-round-5.
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