The one-off grant is Wingecarribee’s share of $250 million distributed to local councils under the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure program to stimulate economic activity across Australia.

The funding can be used to build or to repair public parks, town halls, community centres, swimming pools, sports grounds, libraries and tourism infrastructure.

Councils can also apply for a share of $50 million set aside for large infrastructure projects such as sports stadiums.

Southern Highlands chambers of commerce, community groups and sporting groups already have a long list of possible projects ranging from a youth hub to playgrounds.

Ben Mikic Foundation chairman Phil Herd suggested the funding could be used to implement council’s bicycle plan and pathway strategy.

Projects could include a safe cycle track from Mittagong to Bowral, a 1km closed circuit to allow young children to ride in safety, and reducing black spots on local roads frequently used by cyclists. Funding could also be used to upgrade the velodrome or begin construction of the Picton to Mittagong cycle track along the old railway line, Mr Herd said.

“It needs to be recognised by Wingecarribee Council that there are more bikes sold each year than cars, and for the council to set out to become the friendly shire for cyclists,” he said.

Highland Soccer Association operations manager Ian Campbell said upgraded night lighting at shire football grounds was an “urgent and pressing” need for the shire’s 1800 soccer players.

“Mittagong is the only sporting field that has lighting that meets Australian standards,” he said. “Next year, soccer will not be able to train at night.”

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Friday, November 21

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