Central Coast Council has welcomed the confirmation of funding for key projects for the region in last night’s Federal Budget.

Funding has been confirmed for a regional performing arts centre and the regional library at Gosford, a skate park for Wamberal as well as $7.2 million in local road upgrades.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said it was pleasing to see promises made at the last Federal Election confirmed in this budget and particularly welcomed the extra funding for the Medical School and Research Institute at Gosford.

“This extra funding for the Medical School will enhance the reputation of Gosford and the Central Coast as a leader in innovation in medical research and education,” Mr Reynolds said.

“It will also be a driver for the rejuvenation Gosford as the regional capital and will have huge flow-on effects to the local economy delivering jobs and opportunities for our community, in addition to the direct benefits to health care on the Coast.

Council is doing its part to help rejuvenate the Gosford CBD with changes to planning controls underway and confirming sites for the Regional Performing Arts Centre and Regional Library in Gosford.

“Council can now move with confidence to the scoping and planning stages for these projects now we know this Federal government funding has been confirmed,” Mr Reynolds added.

Mr Reynolds said that he understood that the budget re-introduced indexation for Financial Assistance Grants to Local Government, which is welcomed, and established a Regional Growth Fund for major projects supporting long-term economic growth in regions undergoing structural adjustment.

“We look forward to discussing opportunities to use this Fund to address growth challenges on the Coast as it transforms into the future,” Mr Reynolds said.

Council is in the process of finalising its own budget for next year with increased funding for funding for roads and drainage, water and sewer and open space and recreation and is pleased there is funding on the table from the Federal Government  for these priority areas.

“One of our key priorities is maintaining our 2,200km of roads.  As we don’t have the budget to do it all, this injection of $7.2 million from the Federal Government is particularly welcome,” Mr Reynolds said.

“We are committed to working closely with our federal and state counterparts to ensure we can continue to deliver the services our growing community need, want and value.”

Council’s Budget and Operational Plan for 2017-18 will be revealed at an Extraordinary Meeting to be held on Monday 15 May at the Wyong Chambers at 5.30pm, just over one year on from the establishment of the Central Coast Council.