Mayor Bob Kirk questioned the revised $450,000 estimate at a recent council meeting. Operations director Matt O’Rourke replied that staff estimated roundabout costs at an average $350,000 in line items but this was before detailed design.

In this case, more asphalt was needed for the base, heritage kerbing had to be replaced to fit in with the precinct and greater traffic control was required because the intersection was being kept open, he said. Mr O’Rourke hoped to offset the increase through a reduction on southern Sloane  Street work.

A small section of this upgrade has been delayed as a result.

The council is calling for expressions of interest in funding for community projects.

It will apply under the State’s round two $200 million Stronger Country Communities Fund. It supports projects that construct, refurbish or upgrade community or sporting infrastructure, as well as street beautification or public places.

Mayor Bob Kirk said the council would apply for $1.66m but he wanted to hear from individuals, community and sporting groups on ideas before March 30.

The council will then undertake a community consultation process, allowing the public the opportunity to vote for favoured projects. This will enable Council to put forward a project ranking to the NSW Government as part of the application process.

Projects awarded money under the fund’s round one included Victoria Park - $894,000 - Rage Cage multi-sports area: $200,000 - Skate Park upgrades, targeted at beginners and young children: $330,000 - lights on Seiffert Oval: $450,000 Tarago infrastructure - replace public toilets and $95,000 for an  RV Dump Station: $27,000.

People can submit applications to Locked Bag 22, Goulburn, NSW with the heading Stronger Country Communities Fund – Jackson Reardon, or email them to jackson.reardon@goulburn.nsw.gov.au. The community can then vote on favoured projects.

Council negotiations are underway to install a public art work in Walker Lane, off northern Auburn Street.

A report to Tuesday night’s meeting stated that the Art Gallery was preparing an agreement with the owners of 364 Auburn Street to utilise the building’s facade, facing on to Walker Lane.

“The site has no heritage implications and affords an artist a significant opportunity to create a bold and engaging work to complement the existing public art works across the CBD,” the report stated.

Once the agreement is finalised, the Gallery will call expressions of interest. Meantime, the Gallery has also accepted a painting by Blake Prize exhibitor Paull Martin, donated by a local collector.

The council is vying for a slice of funding from ClubGrants NSW to conserve the coach house at the rear of St Clair.

It has applied for $200,000 to undertake work and open up the “significant building” for archival storage and public programs, such as talks and exhibitions. St Clair is home to the Goulburn and District Historical Society.

The council intends to also contribute $200,000 to the $441,650 project.