THE potential merger with Wellington Council could limit Dubbo City Council's (DCC) ability to commit to funding new projects in the area, according to Dubbo mayor Mathew Dickerson.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Office of Local Government (OLG) has warned council's against entering into new contracts before proposed council amalgamations, including that of Wellington and Dubbo, have been finalised.
This week applications opened for round three of the federal government's $1 billion National Stronger Regions Fund (NSRF), with groups required to match any funding dollar for dollar (except in remote locations).
Councillor Dickerson said the council was yet to decide what projects it would put forward, if any.
"I don't know yet, we'll have a formal discussion about that and make sure we've got the right priority list," Cr Dickerson said.
"We don't know if we can even spend significant funding at the moment - are we actually able to spend those funds?
"We're effectively in a limbo, those guidelines have come out from the Office of Local Government to warn councils not [to] enter into contracts."
DCC was previously successful in gaining almost $3.3 million in NSRF funding for upgrades to the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets (DRLM), which council is required to match dollar for dollar.
Applications for the South Dubbo Weir and Dubbo City Holiday Park upgrades were unsuccessful in round two, and Cr Dickerson said the council could look at reapplying to fund one of those projects.
The Parkes electorate was home to four of the 111 successful projects under round two of the NSRF, with the Bourke Small Stock Abattoir development securing $10 million.
Parkes MP Mark Coulton said he hoped the region could continue that success.
"I'm not sure who is applying but I certainly will be encouraging some of the ones that have missed out [in previous rounds] to apply again," Mr Coulton said.
"One that I'm particularly keen on is the Trangie Respite Centre. It's a centre for people with disability, servicing quite a large area and I believe it's got great merit.
"It would provide opportunity for families that are caring for a disabled person to take them there to get some respite... and I'll be encouraging them to have another crack."
An information session will be held at Dubbo on Wednesday, January 27, and Mr Coulton encouraged any groups interested in applying to attend.