Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said the intention of the WestInvest scheme was honourable … distributing billions of dollars from the proceeds of the sale of the Westconnex toll road back into the community – but “politics” got in the way.
He said the funds were to go to councils hardest hit during Covid lockdowns, state bodies/agencies and local organisations – to be used towards transformational projects needed by the community and most importantly to create local jobs.
“But the honourable intentions were thrown out the window when honourable members got involved and played politics,” he said.
“The result was a disgraceful bias against our City. We were clearly disadvantaged and overlooked on some key projects, instead, the funding was diverted and showered on certain councils or electorates.
“Without doubt we were short-changed, and we must reach out to the ensure the unallocated WestInvest funding finds its way towards our City.”
Mayor El-Hayek said a prime example of the disparity was clearly evident in the council’s bid for funding for its Leisure and Aquatic facilities and despite an impressive and compelling application, didn’t receive a cent.
The council will put its concerns in a letter to the NSW Treasurer.
