Orange City Council’s application for funds to support footpath work, a CBD lighting upgrade and the Robertson Park public toilet project was granted under the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF).

Orange mayor Reg Kidd said council is looking to refurbish the town’s current lighting system to something more modern and cost effective.

It’s part of a broader plan to ‘jazz up’ the CBD, which also takes in building toilets in Robertson Park, according to Cr Kidd.

“With the toilets there has been a lot of debate on where and what size but this grant will come with deadlines which will help move the process along,” he said.

He said upgrades to existing footpaths, as well as creating new ones, was something he’s been vocal about.

“Upgrading footpaths near the elderly homes and schools are a priority, as are all high-traffic areas,” Cr Kidd said.

“If we’ve got elderly residents out in wheelchairs or with walking frames, we want to make sure they’re safe.”

The Orange electorate – comprised of the Orange, Cabonne, Parkes and Forbes Local Government Areas – is receiving a total of $2.6 million under round one of SCCF.

“The SCCF also presents an opportunity for the Orange electorate to embark on innovative infrastructure projects to entice people to live and work in the Central West,” Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless said.

Applications for the second round of SCCF are now open. A total of $200 million is available to regional communities.