Back in 2021, Lithgow secured $2 million in federal funding to replace the notoriously slippery Main Street pavers and give the streetscape a much-needed facelift. It was welcome news at the time—a project that promised to make our town centre safer, more attractive and more inviting for locals and visitors alike.
But fast forward to 2024, and that funding is gone. Returned to the Australian Government after the previous Lithgow City Council failed to meet the timelines attached to the grant.
Understandably, many in the community are frustrated and confused. How did we let this opportunity slip away? Who was keeping track of the project? Who knew the deadlines were being missed, and why wasn’t action taken sooner?
Federal MP Andrew Gee, who secured the original funding, says he was “extremely disappointed” when he learned the money had been handed back. And he’s calling for an inquiry into what went wrong—an idea that’s gaining traction on social media, with residents demanding transparency and accountability.
This isn’t just about pointing fingers. It’s about making sure the same mistakes aren’t repeated, especially when future grants and funding opportunities come our way. Lithgow deserves better.
Meanwhile, there is finally some movement. Council recently voted to explore taking out a loan to finish the project, after a rescission motion was voted down 6 to 3. Deputy Mayor Steve Ring says Council is in a good financial position to afford the loan and get on with the job.
That’s what businesses on Main Street want too—just to get it done. For safety, for amenity, for confidence in the heart of town. Shopkeepers want people to stroll the street without worrying about slipping over. They want a main street that invites people in, not one that scares them off.
Current Federal Member Andrew Gee MP has committed to ensuring the $2 million in streetscape funding is reinstated. Nationals candidate Sam Farraway has also pledged to restore the funding if elected, pointing to failures by the current federal government. One Nation’s Jennifer Hughes has echoed that position.
For now, the focus has to be on getting the project completed—and ensuring we don’t lose future opportunities in the same way. But at the same time, the community deserves answers about how this all unfolded.
Lithgow’s future relies on confidence. Confidence that when funding is secured, it’s delivered. That when we say we’re going to improve something, we follow through. That when public money is at stake, someone’s keeping an eye on it.
Let’s get Main Street sorted. But let’s also make sure this doesn’t happen again.
