Mayor Fitzpatrick congratulates re-elected Kristy McBain

Bega Valley Shire Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick extends his congratulations on behalf of all of Council to the Hon Kristy McBain MP on her re-election as Federal Member for Eden-Monaro.

photograph of Hon Kristy McBain MP.

7 May 2025

Bega Valley Shire Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick extends his congratulations on behalf of all of Council to the Hon Kristy McBain MP on her re-election as Federal Member for Eden-Monaro.

Based on the outcome of the federal election and commitments made prior to the election, the community can expect investment in key priorities for the Bega Valley, with more than $32 million in Australian Government funding allocated for local infrastructure and community projects.

In the lead-up to the election, the Labor Party committed to five major projects in our community:

Bega War Memorial Pool - $16 million
Ford Park Courts Pavilion, Merimbula - $2.5 million
Pambula village playground - $750,000
Childcare facilities in Eden - $5 million
National Circularity Centre in Bega (not a Council-delivered project) - $8.5 million.

Mayor Fitzpatrick is eager to continue collaborating with Ms McBain over the next three years to secure long-term benefits for the Bega Valley.

“We have a strong partnership with Ms McBain and look forward to delivering projects that will shape the shire’s future,” he said.

“As the level of government closest to the community, Council-led advocacy to state and federal governments is essential in securing the necessary funding to deliver the infrastructure and services our community needs.

“This is particularly important in the current financial environment.”

Mayor Fitzpatrick said the committed funding will support several projects Council was planning to do and had projected it would need grant funding to proceed.

“We are taking proactive steps to work with the Australian Government to understand how the committed funding will be accessed and provided quickly so we can continue these projects and get them completed in a timely way,” he said.

“We have a concept design for Bega War Memorial Pool and the committed funding will allow us to progress to detailed design and development approvals over the next 18 months. We expect the project will take close to four years to be completed.

“Planning and consultation for the Ford Park Courts Pavilion has started. We are aiming for design and approvals to be completed by September 2026.

“Planning is also underway for several playground renewals. The election commitment for the Pambula playground will see this upgrade happen next financial year and will enable us to look at other playgrounds that may also be able to benefit from this funding commitment.

“We look forward to getting on with the job of delivering these projects which will unlock new opportunities for our residents and businesses.

“Council recently undertook a review of its Children’s Services and identified the need for expansion, particularly in Eden and Bega. Investigations are underway on options to make this possible.

“An increase in childcare places and investment towards a new childcare service in Eden is most welcome. Council is waiting for further detail on what the $5 million election commitment under the Building Early Education Fund will include and who is eligible to access the funding.

“While not a Council project, the Australian Government funding for the National Circularity Centre is also welcomed and will see that project progress through planning approvals and construction after previously securing state government grant funding.

“We have a strong track record of advocacy that delivers results and dollars into our shire.

“We will continue to advocate to state and federal governments for projects that will improve community facilities and services to keep pace with our growing shire.”

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