Dubbo Regional Council is in the process of applying for a $350,000 Infrastructure NSW grant which had initially been allocated to the Wellington Business Service for a shopfront refurbishment within the CBD.

The grant is in addition to the $572,000 Council has already allocated towards the park’s restoration.

In a report to council, director parks and landcare services Ian McAlister said if the Infrastructure NSW grant was successful it would go towards the plaza development, the refurbishment of the rotunda, the start of the planting in Liriodendron and Warne streets, and the beginning of the work to formalise the tiered seating in the sunken garden.

Mr McAlister said for many years Cameron Park had been the premier park for the Wellington community.

“The park is now at the point where intervention is required. Without this intervention the cost of returning the park to its former status will continue to increase, with the current conditions of the rotunda and toilet facilities provided as examples,” he said.

“Similarly, a window of opportunity still exists to transition the declining park trees without significant impacts to the overall amenity of the park through the implementation of a replanting program.”

Mr McAlister said a draft Cameron Park master plan had been developed to start the restoration works, which were needed due to the ageing infrastructure, loss of amenity and heritage values. It was also in a prominent position in the Wellington CBD, he said.

The $350,000 was initially awarded to Dubbo Regional Council as part of a project to engage with the TAFE and local service providers to deliver a 26-week pre-apprenticeship course for locals, Mr McAlister said. The project didn’t proceed and the money was returned.

The park’s history dates back to 1859 where, following lobby from the Wellington Improvement Society, five acres was set aside between the Bell River and the main street.

It was officially proclaimed in 1882 as Bell Park and was renamed as Cameron Park in 1910 to honour mayor Thomas Cameron for his work in establishing it.