By ERWIN CHLANDA
More child care and keeping fit are initiatives the Town Council hopes will get the support of the next Federal Government.
Mayor Damien Ryan (pictured) says applications have been made for a $11m multi-purpose stadium on the eastern side of the aquatic centre block, and a $2.8m extension for the Grevillea Child Care Centre on the Eastside, creating 45 more places.
Mayor Ryan says the stadium would cater for a range of sports from table tennis to martial arts and gymnastics.
He also wants the Feds to keep up the Healthy Communities Initiative and enlarge the grant beyond the current $700,000 for two years year.
Despite the modest cost some 4000 people have taken advantage of it in the last two years, swimming, weight lifting and walking, organised by a range of community groups which receive the Canberra dollars via the Town Council.
As well the council is looking for $1m a year for an Indigenous ranger program. The money would cover four rangers plus their equipment and a mentor. After initial training they would be absorbed into the council’s regular ranger force.
On the policy front, the council will urge the winner in the elections to maintain the 457 Visa program – a demand also being made by the Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Ryan says the program allowing into the country people with special skills not available locally is sorely needed, according to councillors’ own experience and feedback from constituents.