A LABOR government would pump $1 million into a Keppel Street makeover as part of a plan to revitalise major streets in regional centres.
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The funding has been committed in consultation with Bathurst Regional Council which has also been focusing on upgrading Keppel Street in recent years.
Historic Keppel Street has built a strong reputation for eateries including The Hub and Dogwood Bx, vintage retail stores and the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery and Library.
The upgrade money would come from Labor's Main Streets Revitalisation Fund, part of its Regional Jobs Fund to be established from the $4 billion windfall from the sale of Snowy Hydro to the Commonwealth Government.
Labor candidate for Bathurst Beau Riley said the money would go towards moving overhead powerlines underground, improving street lighting, installing stormwater drainage and planting new street trees.
Flooding has been a problem in Keppel Street in recent years with shops near the intersection with Bentick Street regularly inundated following heavy rain.
“I asked Bathurst council what they needed to energise and rejuvenate downtown Bathurst and we listened, and now we are delivering," Mr Riley said.
“By enhancing the appeal of the Keppel Street neighbourhood, Country Labor will make it an even bigger draw for locals and visitors and inject more money into the local economy.”
Mr Riley said the $1 million allocation to help upgrade Keppel Street would allow council to commit more of its own funding to roads maintenance and other important works.
Labor's local government spokesman Peter Primrose said Bathurst was just one regional centre set to benefit from main street funding.
“The Main Street Revitalisation Fund will be put to work all over regional Australia to support the local economy and local businesses in our prominent town precincts," Mr Primrose said.
"Labor regard these investments as an important engine of growth, and we will work with local councils and communities to get what they need.”
Mr Primrose contrasted Labor's regional investment with the Coalition Government's Sydney stadiums knock down and rebuild plans.
