This is despite the guidelines for the grants explicitly stating funds are required to be spent by the Council by June 30, 2019, or they must be returned to the Office of Local Government by 30 March 2020. (http://www.fitforthefuture.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/StrongerCommunitiesFundGuidelines_v02.pdf) 

Council general manager Anthony McMahon said he is confident all projects will be underway well before the deadline.

"Council expects to be able to meet the deadline on all projects and if for any reason as that date gets closer it appears there may be issues with delivery of any project, there is the possibility of reallocating funds or seeking an extension," he said.

But Hilltops mayor Brian Ingram took an even stronger stance than Mr McMahon on concerns the State government would take back unspent funds.

"It would be political suicide for the State Government to take those funds off us if we haven't spent them by the required time," he said.

"A lot of these projects will take a lot of time and planning to make sure they are done correctly, and while Council might struggle to get some projects over the line by the deadline, I am quite certain the State Government would not withdraw funding.

"Council has a heavy workload, and while these projects are a priority, we need to make sure we continue the day to day running of the council organisation."

Cr Ingram said the Council held a workshop last week to discuss relevant projects for the Stronger Communities Funding.

"We are moving forward appointing project managers so that more intense planning can be undertaken and projects can get underway," he said.

"One of those projects, the new library, has had an enormous amount of work done behind the scenes and things are looking very promising."

A selection of the projects allocated to be undertaken with Stronger Communities Funding are;