Tough capital investment decisions on the horizon

Investment is the key to the region’s future, and there are some tough choices ahead for Edward River Council . . . and the community.

Council’s operational plan and long term financial plan sets out two scenarios for the 2017/2018 year — a normal budget scenario, or accepting a large deficit over 10 years to provide an air freight hub service in Deniliquin (page 1).

In other words, we can plod along as normal or we can think big and secure future income for the entire region.

Plans to develop an air freight hub in Deniliquin do have their detractors, but on the most part the proposal is supported by a variety of interests.

And with the support of successful freight hub operator John Wagner, the proposal has many positives.

A cumulative deficit of almost $1.8 million over a decade seems a relatively small price to pay to get a grounding in what could be a lucrative economic boost for the district for many decades to come.

The business plan shows the air freight hub could generate more than $540,000 just in its first year.

That return would increase slightly year-onyear, and more if interest in the service increases as is projected.

But the challenge is that this option requires a commitment from the federal and NSW governments to share equally in the initial $15 million investment with Edward River Council.

The same ‘go big or go home’ way of thinking could also be applied to council’s Stronger Communities major projects funding.

Forward planning released in the council’s operation plan for the next financial year indicates council wants almost $5 million of that to be spent of repairing roads and gutters.

The remaining $3.6 million would be allocated to other projects submitted under the funding program.

Council administrator Ashley Hall has said, however, this indicative allocation could change based on community wants and needs.

Here is where our community gets to shape the way forward by ranking their preferred projects.

But like council, these decisions have to be made with care and thought.

It’s all well and good to put forward a colourful wish list, but we have to think to the future.

Can your favoured project be achieved and maintained without becoming a burden on the community?

Be smart with your ‘vote’.