With Palerang Council unable to provide funding, the future of Braidwood’s truck wash and saleyards is now secure with the NSW Government committing $120,000 with an additional $20,000 from the Braidwood and District Community Bank, towards a much needed waste management upgrade.

The Member for Monaro John Barilaro, who was instrumental in securing the funding, said the Liberal/National Government’s decision to help fund the project demonstrates its commitment in assisting local council’s tackle the backlog of regional infrastructure.

Funding for the $140,000 project will consist of $70,000 from NSW Trade and Investment, $50,000 from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and $20,000 from the Braidwood and District Community Bank-Branch of the Bendigo Bank.

“This is a great day for Braidwood and the surrounding region and demonstrates what can be achieved when different levels of Government work together and co-operate,” said Mr Barilaro.

“It is no longer good enough to say that issues such as this one are council’s problem and they must fix it.

“This NSW Government is interested in rectifying problems not finding excuses to why it cannot help.

“The era of cost shifting is over, the NSW Government will not tolerate buck passing or let projects slip through the cracks.”

The truck wash closed last year in response to concerns related to the management of effluent quality; it reopened with conditions and Palerang council have been investigating ways to improve it since.

“This funding will help bring the facility into line with a range of current regulations; Mr Barilaro said.

“Trucks must be clean to meet animal health standards; the truck wash is a vital piece of local infrastructure that is crucial in ensuring Braidwood’s future and the livelihood of the local livestock industry, it would be irresponsible not to help fund an upgrade of its waste management system.”

Ian Cargill from the Braidwood and District Community Bank said the funding announcement is a win for the entire community.

“What a fantastic result for the rural industries around Braidwood,” Mr Cargill said.

“The commitment by Braidwood Community Bank and the NSW Government means everyone wins; the farming sector, the environment and the economic health of the wider Braidwood community.”

After a figure of around $600,000 had been mooted by Council to fix the issue, a significant reduction in costs was made when it was realised by the authorities that the existing pond in the Sewerage treatment plant could be used. The money will be now spent on piping from the saleyards, a two tank ‘For Earth’ biological treatment system and fencing for the truckwash.

“This outcome has been fought for by the community and has resulted in this piece of infrastructure that will serve the community for many years to come” saif Mr Cargill.