A RANGE of projects in Inverell are going to benefit from the $533,000, part of the $300 million plan announced by Prime Minster Kevin Rudd last week.

At the Inverell Shire Council meeting on Tuesday, councillors discussed where the money for infrastructure projects will be spent.

Inverell Memorial Pool will gain a $133,000 upgrade, which includes heaters, filtration and pool surrounds.

Victoria Park is going to have a $130,000 redevelopment and rubberised soft fall mats will be put in Campbell Park costing $30,000.

A concrete cycleway that has been in planning for the past five years will also be funded.

It will link with the CBD to the McLean Retirement Village and will cost $100,000.

The equestrian development in Cameron St is going to receive $40,000 and Gilgai, Ashford, Yetman and Delungra will be given $25,000 each to upgrade or install a range of facilities.

Stage two of the Inverell Transport Museum development, which will cost $3 million, is being applied for through the $50 million strategic project fund, which closes on December 23.

Council has until January 30 to take up their offer of funding under the $250 million allocation and works must be completed before September.

As part of the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program the money needs to be spent on community-based ventures, not on roads or bridges.

Inverell Shire Council general manager Paul Henry said all projects were new developments and the funding would not replace any money already allocated to them.

"There are specific guidelines we have to adhere to and all of the projects we have decided to complete with the fund are under those guidelines," Mr Henry said.

The Federal Government has also created an information line to help councils apply for the funding.

The number is 1800 005 494 and will operate 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday.

© 2008 Inverell Times

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