DUNEDOO residents are keen to tap into a natural gas pipeline running past the town with funding from the $20 million Restart NSW Cobbora Transition Fund.
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About 80 residents attending two community forums in the town have developed a wish list in the lead-up to the state government calling for applications for funding this Friday, November 1.
Warrumbungle Shire's Cr Chris Sullivan has reported of the residents' desire to investigate the possibility of introducing natural gas to households and businesses in the town.
"Hopefully that would create work and jobs, while at the same time increasing the possibility of attracting light industry to Dunedoo," he said.
Other entries on the wish list include construction of separate accommodation for retirees and youth with disabilities, the transformation of the old concrete grain solo in the main street into a tourist attraction and the upgrading of existing public infrastructure.
Cr Sullivan said residents considered the demolition of the town's old hospital would create space for the building of self-care units for ageing residents of Dunedoo and district, along with a facility for youth with disabilities.
"It was considered a good idea to have them both on the same site," he said.
"They could attract people to the town, including health professionals."
The old grain silo has not been used for years, but if one Dunedoo resident gets his way it could become a traffic-stopper.
"One fellow suggested we could put a lift in it and people could go up to the top with a telescope," Cr Sullivan said.
Representatives of NSW Trade and Investment and Regional Development Australia Orana attended the forums led by Warrumbungle Shire Council staff, including general manager Steve Loane.
Cr Sullivan said the town's next step would involve the formation of a community committee to investigate the viability and feasibility of the priority projects and make recommendations to the council.
"It's a long road, but hopefully we can get the community's full backing and support," he said.
"Just where we'll end up with it, well we don't know.
"But we've got to give it our best shot."
The fund was set up to stimulate the economies of communities affected by the delayed Cobbora Coal Project (CCP).
An estimated 80 families left the Dunedoo district after their properties were bought up by the former state government to create the footprint of the CCP.
Their departure has impacted on businesses, schools, licensed clubs, sporting and community groups.
The current government has opted to sell or lease the CCP to save NSW taxpayers the $1.5 billion cost of taking it to production.
Warrumbungle, Dubbo, Mid-Western Regional and Wellington councils are guaranteed $1 million from the fund for infrastructure projects.
They and other eligible applicants, including businesses, community groups and government agencies, can try for some of the remaining $16 million.
Criteria for accessing the funding will also be released on Friday.
