Upper Hunter MP George Souris said the schemes would be selected from Singleton Council (CBD works to improve traffic flows) $9 million; Muswellbrook Shire Council (waste water treatment works) $9.6 million and (road safety improvements) $7.6 million; and Mid-western Regional Council (Ulan Road upgrade) $2 million.

The projects will now be subject to detailed assessment to determine inclusion in the first round of funding, worth about $40 million.

Mr Souris welcomed the short-listing of the important local infrastructure in the Upper Hunter.

“They were assessed by the Independent Assessment Panel comprising Infrastructure NSW, NSW Farmers and Local Government NSW,” he said.

“These projects have been chosen due to their capacity to support economic growth and productivity, relieve infrastructure constraints and support NSW communities affected by mining.

“The Independent Assessment Panel and Infrastructure NSW will now make a detailed appraisal of these shortlisted projects, with the successful ones announce in the coming months.”

Singleton Council general manager Lindy Hyam said the Singleton Local Government Area contributed $550 million in mining royalties every year, double the amount of the second closest contributor.

“It is understandable that Singleton, having twice the production of coal of anywhere else in NSW, could reasonably expect a significant contribution from Resources For Regions to address the stresses and strains on the town’s infrastructure during the peak mining boom period,” she admitted.

“The Singleton town centre is a reflection of these pressures – it is tired.

“Council is looking at the best use of infrastructure in a flood-prone, high traffic area while we continue to pursue opportunities for diversification and prepare for life after mining.

“It is well understood the economic benefits that can be derived from a revitalisation project such as this.

“The community, council and our local member are united in their support of the town centre revitalisation and the project remains the number one priority. 

“We welcome the announcement the project has been shortlisted and hope to hear our project has been successful in the coming months.”

More than $17 million will be split between two Muswellbrook projects.

Muswellbrook Shire mayor Martin Rush said road safety improvements and wastewater treatment works needed to secure funding if coal expansions in the area went ahead.

“The Singleton project and both of Muswellbrook’s would have to get its fair share of the money,” Cr Rush said.

“The great losers in the announcements are any regional-scale projects, all of which have missed out on being shortlisted.”