At an extraordinary meeting of Lithgow Council this week, Councillors voted to add funding for the installation of a Variety Club Liberty Swing at Queen Elizabeth Park, an accessibility upgrade at the Lithgow Croquet Club and a refurbishment of the Meadow Flat Hall to the list.

Lithgow Council must have their recommended projects for the RLCIP funding completed by tomorrow.

Already in Council’s wish list is new or upgraded play equipment at Queen Elizabeth Park and Kremer Park in Portland, upgrading at Marjorie Jackson Oval and further upgrading of the Hermitage Hall in Albert Street.

Of particular importance in the funding is the Liberty Swing, a revolutionary design in play equipment for people with disabilities.

This allows children in wheelchairs the chance to enjoy the fun and recreation of swings.

Council’s project coordinator Leanne Kearney told Councillors the swing can by provided by The Variety Club, however the cost of $15,000 for its installation has to be met by Council.

The improvements to the Croquet Club are to ensure the building complies with the Building Code of Australia for access from the clubhouse to the playing fields, as well as improvements allowing disabled access.

One item being considered with the installation of new “Gateway Signage” — signs welcoming visitors to the Lithgow Local Government area.

However it is unclear if this project, to cost $20,000 and put forward as a Council staff suggestion, could be approved as preliminary discussions with representatives from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional and Local Government have not provided a clear direction as to whether it is eligible for funding, according to Ms Kearney.

In the event that any of Council’s project are not accepted or cannot proceed for any reason, Council has also created a ‘reserve list’.

This list has on it the Gateway Signage, Watsford Oval Cricket Training Nets and playground equipment for Rydal.