At the council meeting of November 8, councillors resolved to apply for a $750,000 grant for a new pavilion, lights and landscaping for Seiffert Oval. They also resolved to apply for a $900,00 grant for Stage Two of the Walking Track. 

The council is seeking funding under wound two of the Federal Building Better Regions Fund. Applications close on December 19.

In a report to that meeting, general manager Warwick Bennett said the council had to prioritize projects due to the short time frame and other considerations. 

“We have a very short time frame to lodge an application and any grants applied for over $1m need a substantial application to be presented including a cost benefit analysis,” Mr Bennett said. 

“There are a number of projects that we have considered but are only promoting two to the council.” 

He said the Goulburn Crookwell Rail Trail was not being recommended at this stage as the council is required to co-fund it dollar for dollar.

“The Aquatic Centre design and planning work is not far enough advanced to present a proposal prior to the cutoff, however it is our intention to have this proposal ready for the next round in 2018,” he said. 

In regard to the Performing Arts Centre, Mr Bennett said funding had already been secured from the Federal Building Better Regions Fund. 

“Likewise, work is not advanced enough to promote a quality application for the Victoria Park upgrade.

The Seiffert Oval project would involve the development of a new pavilion, replacing the existing lights and undertaking some landscaping.

“This project will cost $1.5m and we are recommending that the council seek a $750,000 grant to assist,” he said. 

“The grant sought for the Wollondilly Walking Track is assist with Stage Two – from Joshua Street to Tarlo Street and from the Wetlands to Park Road.

“The cost of this project is $1.8m and we are recommending that the council seek $900,000 for this.” 

At the meeting, Cr Peter Walker sought to clarify that the Seiffert Oval project was listed as the number one priority. 

It was listed at the top of the council resolution, but Mr Bennett said the government would decide the priority. 

“It is not up to the council how we prioritize it,” Mr Bennett said. “Each application will be addressed by the Federal Government on their merits.

“There will be separate applications.”