Country Labor candidate Beau Riley visited Lithgow's Main Street on Tuesday, March 12 to announce the promise of $500,000 from the Main Streets Revitalisation Fund if elected on March 23.
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The area to benefit from the funds would be from Cook Street through to Bridge Street which is home to an array of local businesses.
Mr Riley said the funding would allow Lithgow City Council to prioritise roads maintenance, reconstruct footpaths, improve pedestrian infrastructure and redevelop Pioneer park.
"I've spoke with various members of the community, I've spoken with Council and asked them what they needed and they've said they'd love to put some money towards constructing some work on Pioneer park, the Main Street's roads and fixing the walkways," he said.
He also said one of the main issues he found from speaking to people in the community was the concern of the footpaths.
"They were very concerned with the works done in the Main Street with the NBN cables, and the people of Lithgow would like to see the pavers in their further form of glory.
"With this funding we'll be able to fix the pavers, the park and the road. We can fix up what happened with the NBN and then do a full revamp of the side walks," he said.
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Mr Riley said residents took pride in the appearance of their Main Street, so it was important to bring the street up to a better standard.
"People are passionate so I'm very happy to provide the money to help lift up the community and to also open up job opportunities," he said.
Mr Riley said ultimately, the priority of the revitalisation would be jobs for Lithgow.
"If we can get people the jobs that they need, full time jobs, the town I believe will replenish itself and the businesses will emerge again.
"Making it look more presentable, people will hopefully want to put their businesses in here and in return create more jobs, then that's great," he said.
Mr Riley said Country Labor's priority was to seek out local areas and communities to find out what needs to be done.
Lithgow Deputy mayor Cr Wayne McAndrew said the residents of Lithgow were keen on revamping the Main Street as were Council.
"I know the long term issue is making the Main Street look more appealing but Council's priority is safety, the pavers have aged and served their purpose, there is now safety, slip and falls issues.
"Council's priority is to replace them that's what we will be doing in moving forward, and we don't know exactly what will replace them but it will be something different to what we've seen," he said.
Cr McAndrew said if Council are able to get this grant it would be the start of looking at the stages of fixing up Main Street.
"This top end of town we believe is the worst and it will be the priority at this stage. As most people know stage 1 is completed, but the other stages can only be undertaken with good and substantial grant funding, we're continuing to try and get that both at a state and federal level," he said.
The total cost for the Main Street project including storm water upgrades and water main replacements is estimated at $4.3 million.
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