COMMUNITY forums at Dunedoo today are aimed at creating a priority list of projects able to nab significant cash from the $20 million Cobbora Transition Fund.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Residents will divide into groups and discuss their ideas before favoured projects are listed on a whiteboard.
Warrumbungle Shire Council has organised the forums in a town hit hard by the delay in the launch of the Cobbora Coal Project (CCP).
Lifetime resident of Dunedoo Cr Chris Sullivan reports the council must consult with the community before passing resolutions seeking funding for specific projects.
The Warrumbungle, Dubbo, Mid-Western Regional and Wellington councils will each get $1 million from the fund for approved infrastructure projects.
The remaining $16 million is up for grabs from local government, community organisations, business, industry, non-government organisations, educational institutions and government agencies.
In September the residents of Dunedoo and district told of the economic and social impact on them of the CCP that will be sold or leased by the current state government.
It terminated coal supply contracts put in place by its predecessor after receiving expert advice that building and taking the mine to production would cost taxpayers $1.5 billion.
The $20 million fund, drawn from Restart NSW, acknowledges economic impact on the four local government areas.
Chairman of the Cobbora Transition Committee, Dubbo MP Troy Grant, convened a meeting in Dunedoo on October 9 with Infrastructure NSW in tow.
Cr Sullivan said the meeting encouraged the Dunedoo community to "think big" and come up with projects that would have economic benefit.
The repurposing of the town's old hospital, better amenities for Golden Highway travellers and the establishment of an industrial estate within easy access of the mine site have already been suggested by residents.
Cr Sullivan thinks it likely there are other "great ideas out there" and is certain the quality of projects will determine the distribution of the bulk of the funding.
"We've got to have good projects to try and get the appropriate amount of money," he said.
Residents of Dunedoo who have spoken to the Daily Liberal swear it has borne the brunt of the CCP, created from the purchase of about 32,500 hectares of land.
The effects of an estimated 80 families leaving the district have been felt by businesses, schools, licensed clubs, sporting and community groups.
Criteria for project funding is expected to be released soon.
The forums will run from 4pm to 5.30pm and 6.30pm to 8pm at the Dunedoo Bowling Club.
