SAFETY will be boosted at Tower Hill with the surplus from a government grant to be spent on a lighting project in the vicinity of Barry Steggall Park.
Swan Hill Council resolved to allocate the remaining $83,000 from round one of the Local Roads Community Infrasture Fund towards the lighting project, and continue to fully scope the Monash Avenue, Nyah West and Watkins Street, Robinvale footpath projects for future funding opportunities.
Council received $1.4 million in 2021 under the fund to carry out 17 projects throughout the municipality, with a surplus of $83,830.
As per the funding agreement, excess funding can only be allocated to nominated and agreed projects and must be fully acquitted by June 30.
Director of development and planning Heather Green said three options were listed for further consideration, but the footpath projects in Nyah West and Robinvale would either be overbudget or unscoped.
Ms Green said the lighting treatment project at Tower Hill would have been included in tender submission for the McCallum Street pedestrian lighting project, at a total cost of $71,500.
“These works can be completed by June 30, 2022 and will complement the proposed lighting treatment for the McCallum Street path and lighting project,” she said.
Cr Nicole McKay moved an amendment that the footpath projects be scoped by the end of the financial year, but lapsed due to no seconder.
Cr Bill Moar said it was unfortunate the funds couldn’t be put where they wanted them to be used.
“But, it’s been great to see under the tranche of funds, there have been improvements to the footpaths at Nyah West, upgrades at Nyah West Park and Nyah toilet refreshment,” he said.
“It’s also great to see these projects come under budget. We know we are under severe pressure with projects going over budget and 30 per cent cost blowouts due to increased prices in just about everything.”
