Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman and Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill have welcomed an announcement that the Federal Government will provide $750,000 to upgrade the Katoomba Civic Centre.

The Katoomba Street building is used by a variety of community groups to provide services for local residents.

“Any funding is welcome to local infrastructure  - this is a space that sorely needs a boost,” Ms Templeman said.

“We await the detail of exactly what the Federal Government intends the funds to be used for. Hopefully we will be able to do something really worthwhile in this public space and provide jobs for locals on the process.”

Mayor Greenhill said, “Local organisations and our people use the area for a range of community purposes and we will work with the federal government to make sure this grant really enhances the site for those users.

“It sits in the heart of Katoomba and, properly upgraded, will enhance the area for the millions of visitors who come to Katoomba each year.

“The work itself will stimulate the local economy as we strive to recover from the tough year 2020 has been so far.”

Ward One Councillor Don McGregor said, “This is great news and gives council a chance to substantially upgrade this important community facility.

“Council will be running the biggest infrastructure program in our history over the coming year.

“We will target tens of millions of dollars to infrastructure projects that will enhance the quality of life of all our towns and villages across the city while stimulating our local economy which has taken such a battering in recent times. This is a job creating strategy and the civic centre project will be part of that