Mayor George Greiss says he has concerns about the $410 million promised to Campbelltown in the WestInvest program.
The money was promised by the previous government, which was thrown out of office in the NSW election of March this year.
Writing in his first mayoral minute since being re-elected for another term, Cr Greiss says the $5 billion WestInvest program is under review by the new Labor government, which is about to deliver its first budget.
“Originally, it was announced that Campbelltown Local Government Area would benefit from approximately $410 million in committed funding from the NSW Government,’’ writes Cr Greiss in the mayoral meeting tabled at Tuesday night’s meeting.
“The committed funding includes $171 million for council-delivered projects to our community, such as the expansion of Campbelltown Arts Centre (pictured above), park and facility enhancements, traffic and connectivity improvements, and the creation of several new recreation facilities and play spaces.
“Also, there was the WestInvest NSW Government Allocation of $200 million for the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan (considered as $100 million to Campbelltown LGA as the Gardens are shared between Campbelltown and Camden Local Government Areas) and $243 million for Health Hubs at Glenfield and Liverpool (assumed $121.5 million shared equally between the Hubs).
“The WestInvest NSW Government allocation is under review by the new government, and further announcements are expected as part of the NSW Government Budget due on 19 September,’’ he writes.
“I look forward to the budget and hope our community receives its fair share of investments and projects.
“However, what is very concerning is the funding model for the $171 million that has been committed to our community’s project delivery.
“The funding deeds remain unsigned and have been subject to several significant amendments over the recent months.
“This changing legal landscape creates additional risk and exposure for council, which creates significant uncertainty for our delivery program.
“In conjunction with a number of the other recipient councils, we are actively engaged in negotiations and seeking advice to navigate the complexities and legality of these proposed changes.
“I will update the council and the community on the progress of the issues as soon as we have a clear understanding of the WestInvest Program Management Office and the government’s final position,’’ writes Mayor Greiss.
Tighten your belts like the rest of us peasants.