The news that Singleton received more than $1.2 million in State Government funding for a number of important community projects was cause to celebrate this week.
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In particular, the completion of the final stages of Rose Point Park to expand the all-abilities playground will be a wonderful enhancement of our inclusive community and a fantastic reason for people of all abilities to pay us a visit.
But while the benefits of this project are obvious, Council simply could not make it happen without programs like the State Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Yes, our community reaps the economic benefits that come from the coal industry. But while the royalties are sent to the State treasury, it is the people of Singleton who contend with the realities of being at the back door of working coal mines.
No budget is limitless, and our Council particularly relies on grants and other funding programs to deliver facilities that would otherwise languish because of other priorities and ongoing commitments.
Resources for Regions is one such program that has been an enormous boost for our community. But unfortunately, as a program established for communities affected by coal mining, the goal posts appear to be in constant flux.
The latest development that councils must meet 50 per cent of the total cost of the project they are applying for raises serious doubts over whether we can take advantage of the program at all.
Singleton voiced concerns about the program last year, and our campaign has since gained significant momentum.
In December I was chosen to be part of a Hunter Councils delegation that will seek the support of the Minerals Council to meet with the Deputy Premier to discuss the future of the program.
It’s also been a hot topic over the past few weeks with discussions at the Association of Mining and Energy Related Councils meeting and I will raise it again at the meeting of Country Mayors in Sydney this week.
In our view, the changes are just not fair for smaller rural communities like ours who live with the impact of mining every single day.
The people in Macquarie Street must not forget where the real hard work happens to power NSW. And I intend to be on the door step at every opportunity to remind them.
