The Entrance MP, David Mehan, has been campaigning for a footpath in Brooke Ave, Killarney for years, but Central Coast Council says it’s not a high priority.
Mehan was hoping Council would apply for State Government funding under the Community Building Partnership Program (CPB) to extend the footpath.
“Extending the footpath along Brooke Ave has long been an overdue project that local residents and disability advocate, Maria Pyros, has been agitating for over many years on behalf of the community,” he said.
“Back in November 2020, Ms Pyros obtained at least 500 signatures on a petition calling on Council to extend the footpath from the Yangoora St intersection to Wyong Rd.
“This footpath is listed under the Central Coast Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan and under the CBP program, Council could apply and only be required to meet half its cost.
“This annual grant funding is a great opportunity for improvements to be made in and around our community,” Mehan said.
A Council spokesperson said the footpath project had been assessed and ranked against similar projects by Council staff and was not currently the highest priority.
“Council is currently focusing on designing and delivering existing grant funded projects and does not currently have the resources to undertake the design for this footpath project as part of this grant cycle, and therefore, Council is not preparing to submit a grant funding application under this program.
“Council will continue to review the priorities for infrastructure projects, and when suitable grant funding opportunities arise, the submission of grant funding applications will be considered,” the Council spokesperson said.
There was a maximum of $400,000 for each NSW electorate under the Community Building Partnership program, with applications closing on June 10.
Councils, along with incorporated not-for-profit community organisations, are eligible to apply for grants between $5,000 and $150,000.
Councils are also required to provide matching funding for any CBP grant submission, should the project be selected.
Sue Murray