Grant’s message to mayor and council GM: Get on with the job

MEMBER for Dubbo Troy Grant this week expressed his frustration at attempts to politicise the Victoria Park upgrade and Dubbo cycle track relocation.

On Monday, he told Dubbo Regional Council’s Mayor and General Manager that they “needed to proceed with the projects they have been funded for, as outlined in the terms and timelines of the funding agreement”.

Mr Grant also said: “In essence, Dubbo Regional Council failing to progress on projects where they have been funded sends a terrible message to funding bodies about the confidence or capacity of the DRC to complete projects, and jeopardises future applications.”

MEMBER for Dubbo Troy Grant informed the Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) Mayor and General Manager on Monday that they “needed to proceed with the projects they have been funded for, as outlined in the terms and timelines of the funding agreement”.

“If additional funds are required they need to scope cost and apply for those funds without delay, and the applications will be supported by me,” Mr Grant told Dubbo Photo News.

He expressed frustration at attempts to politicise the Victoria Park upgrade.

“(This upgrade) which impacts on the relocation of the Dubbo cycle track and significantly enhances other sport and economic outcomes for the city, has been a project aspiration of the former Dubbo City Council since 2010,” he said.

“The Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) in administration secured funding that was sought for $7.1m for this upgrade.

“The new Dubbo Regional Council Mayor has then initiated an attempt to politicise, for reasons unknown, the issue and disrupt this project, despite being the former Deputy Mayor of Dubbo City Council.

“As part of this he has made private commitments to seek additional funds from the State to fund inclusion for additional infrastructure for the club and attempt to wedge the local MP and State Government.”

Mr Grant also expressed concerns about possible wider ramifications of delaying the project.

“In essence, Dubbo Regional Council failing to progress on projects where they have been funded sends a terrible message to funding bodies about the confidence or capacity of the DRC to complete projects, and jeopardises future applications,” Mr Grant said.

“The juvenile political posturing of the Mayor has created this risk that he needs to remove immediately and get on with the job.

“I will always work with the DRC and sporting groups and the community to secure funding for important community projects, infrastructure and services,” Mr Grant said.