Sophie Conlon
COUNCILS in the Limestone Coast have received a funding boost from the federal government to deliver priority local road infrastructure projects in the region.
Phase 4 Part A of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program was announced in February, and now Part B has been released.
This sees $250 million of the original $750 million devoted to regional and rural roads across Australia, with Limestone Coast Councils gaining almost $2 million more than originally thought.
With the extra allocation, the City of Mount Gambier will now receive $767,904, which is a $280,909 boost from Part A of the funding.
Set to receive an extra $244,255 in Part B of the funding allocation is the District Council of Grant, who will now benefit from $667,705 under the program.
Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister Kristy McBain said the extra funding would allow councils to plan for larger or more complex projects which would make a bigger impact in the community.
“I’ve met with close to 200 local councils since May last year, and the resounding feedback has been that this extension will enable them to progress their higher-priority projects – and now this work can commence,” she said.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said through this funding the government was fulfilling an election promise.
“We know many councils across the country are struggling to maintain and improve their local road networks – especially following repeated flooding and other natural disasters in recent times.
“We have listened to councils and are standing stand side-by-side with local governments to support them in their vital role in delivering critical infrastructure for their communities.”
Member for Barker and Shadow Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tony Pasin said he was disappointed it took more than a year for funding allocations for each council to be finalised.
“Details on exactly how much of this $250 million in funding has been allocated to each council has been a long time coming,” he said.
“I welcomed the additional $250 million, but I’m disappointed that it’s taken so long to confirm something that our Local Government sector has been waiting more than 12 months for.”
Mr Pasin said the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, an initiative of the former Coalition government, was unique as it responded to expressed local needs rather than being invested via a top down determined priorities and strategies approach.
“I’m incredibly proud of the support provided to Local Government through this Coalition government initiative because this additional funding is empowering local communities and ensuring our regions remain strong, resilient and prosperous in the long term,” he said.
