Some have called for the money to go towards other community projects now the state government has funded the road.

The Googong developers (Peet and Mirvac) had a voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with the council that included developer contributions to projects associated with the Googong development.

Stage two of the duplication of Old Cooma Road was originally slated to cost $21.6 million and would begin in 2021 funded with a developer contribution.

In last year’s state budget Member for Monaro John Barilaro announced a $70 million local roads package which included $32 million for Old Cooma Road.

A spokesman for the council said the state funding meant the developer was no longer obligated to contribute the agreed $21.6 million.

“Council is required by legislation to only collect contributions from developers for work that has a demonstrated nexus to that development,” the spokesman said.

“Council cannot redirect funds that have been collected from a developer into another project that does not have a nexus to the development without the consent of the developer.”

A spokeswoman for Peet would not confirm whether the developer intended to still contribute the money. She said discussions with the council over developer contributions were ongoing.

Councillor Kenrick Winchester said he was not aware of the negotiations occurring with the developers but said the money needs to be spent on the community.

“We have no shortage of projects around the place that could use a $20 million boost,” Cr Winchester said.

“Old Cooma Road needed to be done and the state government have stepped in but that should not mean the developers get out of supporting the community.”

He suggested other road upgrades such as Captains Flat Road or the new indoor basketball stadium were worthwhile options.

Labor candidate for Monaro Bryce Wilson echoed Cr Winchester’s comments welcoming the roadwork but said the sentiment in Googong was that the developer should still make their contribution.

“The community deserves this money and I would expect John [Barilaro] to be communicating with the developers to make sure it is invested back in the community,” he said.

Mr Barilaro said he was proud to be able to deliver the project earlier than expected and had acted upon the community’s concerns that it was an urgent issue.

He said he remained in communication with the council regarding their negotiations with the developers and would keep watching the situation.

“I expect the developers will continue to act in good faith, and continue to be a great corporate citizen that is here for a very long time,” Mr Barilaro said.

“I will not accept anything less.”