Dubbo council signals it wants more of the $20m Cobbora pie

Mayor Mathew Dickerson says "without a doubt" it will try for more than a guaranteed $1 million from the fund that aims to stimulate the economies of communities affected by the delayed Cobbora Coal Project.

He said Dubbo City Council would go after a share of the $16 million remaining in the fund after a total of $4 million was distributed equally among it and three other councils.

Dubbo's elected councillors will compile a list of potential infrastructure projects at a workshop yet to be scheduled.

Cr Dickerson said some would suit the $1 million allocation, while others would require a share of the $16 million, including the second stage redevelopment of Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets.

The four councils are eligible to apply for some of the $16 million, as are community groups, business and industry groups, non-government organisations, educational institutions and government agencies.

NSW Treasurer Mike Baird announced the fund on September 3 and the $1 million for each of the Dubbo, Warrumbungle, Mid-Western Regional and Wellington councils.

The money is ready to be collected once the councils jump through the same criteria hoops as applicants seeking a share of the $16 million, set to be included in the 2014-15 NSW budget.

Selection criteria will be released next Friday, November 1.

Cr Dickerson yesterday reported of informal talks on possible projects, including installing a new slide at the Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre.

"That would be less than $1 million and would leave money to be spent on something else," he said.

Improvements to Old Dubbo Gaol also had been suggested.

"Obviously that's looking a little tired and spending $1millon on that would... satisfy the requirement of economic benefit to the community," Cr Dickerson said.

The mayor said there had been discussions on "ways to make our CBD enhanced and rejuvenated".

"It's been 20 years since the Macquarie Street beautification has been done," he said.

Cr Dickerson said the appointment of a manager for the CBD had been proposed and "objectives for them to try and achieve".

The showground, Victoria Park duck pond and under-construction clubhouse between No.2 and No.3 ovals had also been considered.

Cr Dickerson said $1 million would not go close to building an indoor and heated pool at the Dubbo Aquatic Leisure centre, costing an estimated $5 million.

But acquiring some of the $16 million could open the door to bigger projects, including the redevelopment of the saleyards, he said.

"We could easily spend another $4 million or thereabouts on developing the second stage," he said.

"The regional benefits would be fantastic because obviously people from around this region come to Dubbo saleyards to sell their stock and buy stock as well."

Cr Dickerson said the council would lodge "several applications", mindful that it "costs money from a staff time perspective".

He is interested to see "what community organisations put through projects".

The release of criteria will coincide with a call for applications for funding.