Councils in Wide Bay will receive a share of $500 million in federal funding under a new Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.
Mr O’Brien said the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government will also bring forward $1.3 billion of the 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant payments.
“This is a significant investment by the Morrison Government that will support local jobs and businesses in Wide Bay and give a boost to our local economies struggling under the effects of COVID-19,” Mr O’Brien said.
Funding allocations for the new Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program are based on the successful Roads to Recovery formula and will enable local councils to deliver priority projects with a focus on new upgrades to local roads and building new community facilities.
Mr O’Brien said accelerating new road and community projects was important for supporting jobs and the local economy.
“Every single local job we support makes a huge difference in Wide Bay communities, right now and in the future, as we navigate out of the coronavirus pandemic,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This package will go a long way to supporting jobs, construction businesses and the economy across Wide Bay, it will improve our local roads and it will provide new and upgraded amenities to help communities stay connected.
“The funding is deliberately directed towards our local councils to help them create and sustain local jobs in local businesses through local supply chains.
“I encourage Fraser Coast, Gympie, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, South Burnett and Cherbourg councils to bring forward suitable projects with broad community support so they can deliver the economic and social benefits this funding is designed to support.”
Local road projects to be delivered under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program include constructing or improving bridges and tunnels, street lighting, and heavy vehicle facilities such as rest areas.
A broad range of community infrastructure projects will be eligible including new or upgraded bicycle and walking paths, community facilities, and picnic shelters and barbeque facilities at parks.
Under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program the following funding allocations will be made to the following local councils that fall entirely or partially within the Wide Bay electorate this financial year:
- Fraser Coast Regional Council – $1,912,057
- Gympie Regional Council – $1,361,802
- Noosa Council – $790,346
- Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council – $39,849
- Noosa Council – $790,346
- South Burnett Regional Council $1,644,465
- Sunshine Coast Regional Council $3,653,767
Funding under the new Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program will be available from 1 July, and projects will need to be completed by the end of the financial year.
“As a separate initiative we are also bringing forward $1.3 billion of next year’s Financial Assistance Grants to help Councils deliver services and build stronger and more resilient communities,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Councils have the capacity and experience to use this funding boost and funding advance to create and sustain local jobs by upgrading roads, building facilities, and providing the services local communities need.
Guidelines for the Program will be provided directly to local governments by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.
Allocations under the Financial Assistance Grant and Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program can be found at https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/lrci.
