Projects submitted for Federal funding

Gosford Council is likely to submit three Peninsula projects to take up $577,000 funding allocated under round three of the Federal Government's Regional and Local Community Infrastructure program.

Floodlighting at the Woy Woy tennis courts, replacement of Ettalong's Ferry Rd wharfhead and an upgrade of the finger wharf at Lions Park, Woy Woy, will all be submitted.

A council staff report stated that the Woy Woy Tennis Courts were in need of a $111,000 upgrade to the facility's floodlighting.

This would be submitted as a "primary project".

"Existing infrastructure has degraded and requires replacement including six new poles with lights, upgrade of switchboard, upgraded conduits and wiring," the council report stated.

"Woy Woy Tennis Club has limited funds and may also be able to make small contribution."

Council will also submit a funding proposal for the replacement of a wharf head and floating pontoon at Ferry Rd in Ettalong as a "secondary project".

The $200,000 project will relieve access difficulties at the wharf particularly for the disabled.

Another secondary project looking to receive funding support is the upgrade of Lions Park finger wharf at Woy Woy.

The project also includes the upgrade of Gosford CBD finger wharf that allow temporary tethering of small boats launched at boat ramps while cars with trailers exit the ramp to car parks.

"Other boat launching sites would benefit by either the replacement of an existing finger wharf or the first provision of a finger wharf," the report stated.

According to the council report: "This funding will assist councils to build and modernise community facilities, including town halls, libraries, community centres, sports grounds and environmental infrastructure, and is aimed at strengthening our communities during the economic recovery by supporting local jobs and providing long-term benefits to communities by renewing and upgrading local infrastructure.

"In previous rounds of the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, local governments were encouraged to submit a number of prioritised projects, the aggregate value of which exceeds their allocation.

"Should the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and

Local Government find that a higher priority project is ineligible, a lower priority yet eligible project may be substituted in its place."

Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal said the round three funding would provide greater flexibility to the community and allow councils to nominate projects on behalf of local community groups as well as environmental protection and climate change infrastructure projects.

"Local governments can submit eligible local priorities until Friday, July 30."

Council agenda COR.79, 6 Jul 2010 Press release, 7 Jul 2010 Belinda Neal, Member for Robertson