Councillor Jason Hamling moved to suggest Centroc form a sub-committee of councillors and industry representatives to push the case.

Centroc is already reviewing its advocacy approach in the lead-up to state and federal elections.

“We need to look to the future and look for a long-term solution – why can’t we have a proper entry into Sydney and out of Sydney?” he said. 

Cr Hamling said while there was some recognition about the need for the project, better support and timeframes were still lacking. 

“This is about looking for new ways to try to make this happen,” he said. 

Councillor Russell Turner said most roads were upgraded based on traffic numbers and accidents, but a different philosophy was needed for the Bells Line.

“Do we want increased population this side of the mountains?” he said.

Cr Turner said a higher population was essential to ensure the Central West kept its political representation.

“While we’re not losing population, we’re not increasing like they are in Sydney so every time we see a redistribution, west of the mountains loses a seat and it goes to Sydney,” he said. 

“I believe we won’t get that population growth until we put the highway through – we can’t wait for the population and the road over the mountain is choked like some of the roads in Sydney.”

Councillor Glenn Taylor said with Snowy Hydro funds at the state government’s disposal, there would never be a better time for the project.

“It will be a great litmus test for the government’s commitment to this project to see if there’s any tangible dollars from the $4.1 billion,” he said. 

“I’ve got to say I’m a pessimist.”

Convincing the state government is still set to be a tough challenge, with Opposition Leader Luke Foley ruling out a Labor government funding the project earlier this week.