Mayor has High Aspirations for 2018

21 Dec 2017 4:26 PM -

Leeton Shire Council Mayor Paul Maytom is looking forward to exploring new opportunities for growth and development as well as securing grant monies to facilitate some major projects in 2018.

Mayor Maytom said that Council will continue to lobby State Government to get “our fair share” of available funding via the various grant opportunities that currently exist.

“Never before have we seen investment in regional NSW like we are now seeing from the State Government so it is important that we as a Council advocate for the projects that our community sees as a high priority.”

Mayor Maytom added that the Leeton Showground sporting precinct is in desperate need of a major upgrade.

“The Leeton Showground is a highly used sporting facility. Our local AFL and netball club, as well as the harness racing community, are all heavily invested user groups that call this precinct their sporting home. Council sees itself as a partner that can facilitate grant funding opportunities that will help the Showground facility receive the upgrade that it deserves.”

“There is a substantial amount of money available through the Crown Lands Public Reserves Management Fund Program which Council will be further investigating in the New Year in consultation with the local sporting groups and clubs that use the Showground facility on a regular basis.”

Mayor Maytom added that Council is also keen to see the LINX Freight and Logistics Hub go ahead at the Western Riverina Intermodal Freight Terminal (WRIFT) at Wumbulgal as it will help deliver freight certainty in the Western Riverina region by tripling current rail freight capacity in the region. It will also take more trucks off the roads, improving safety.

“Council is very pleased to be working with LINX Logistics and submitting a funding application for $7.5 million towards the construction of a $30.5 million freight and logistics hub at Wumbulgal. We will also be assisting to source grant funding to undertake masterplanning at the WRIFT site to assist with the development of core infrastructure including drainage, roads, water and power.”

Mayor Maytom also said the upgrade of the Leeton Swimming Pool Complex, Leeton CBD Enhancement Project and the sourcing of funding for the detailed design of the Roxy Theatre upgrade all remain key focuses for Council staff in 2018.

“These key pieces of community infrastructure will contribute to increased community wellbeing and will enhance Leeton’s reputation as a fantastic place to live, work and raise a family.”