WORK on the southern feeder road has been delayed until the 2018-19 financial year as Orange City Council seeks confirmation on government funding.
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Western NSW parliamentary secretary Rick Colless announced almost $5.4 million in funding for the section between Forest Road and Elsham Avenue in December, with $3.4 million coming from the Fixing Country Roads program and the remainder a previous commitment from then-member for Orange Andrew Gee.
However, only $3.4 million has been confirmed in writing, with a second announcement in June for another $3.4 million also unconfirmed.
Staff reported there was uncertainty over the total of $8.8 million funding commitment and the ability to start work in the current construction season was compromised.
However, mayor Reg Kidd had faith the money would come through.
“There seems to be a hell of a lot of confusion,” he said.
“There’s no concern with the money, but I would prefer to have those things in writing and firmed up.”
He said he, general manager Garry Styles and technical services director Ian Greenham would make direst representations to Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey.
The $2 million Wade Park cricket centre of excellence has also been deferred to revise the project to meet the budget, although the turf practice pitches will be complete by the end of June.
The council’s projected surplus for the 2017-18 financial year dropped from $11.4 million, including capital, to $6.6 million as part of its quarterly review for December, however its operating position remains largely unchanged, with a $3.3 million surplus.
Much of the change arose from the council’s decision not to proceed with the industrial business park at Orange Regional Airport, which would have included $9.4 million in roadworks and sewer and water services, meaning both the grant funding and costs were removed.
The council also managed to save about $800,000 in forecast loan and interest repayments for the accelerated roads program by using a combination of budgeted money, grants and developer contributions, delaying some of the borrowings until the coming financial year.
However, it was hit hard by rising electricity prices after its contract more than doubled in January, with an extra $185,000 needing to be budgeted.