$500M road and community infrastructure program funds first project

The Federal Government has delivered funding for the first local road and community infrastructure project under the nationwide $500 million support package.

So far 175 councils have nominated close to 1000 projects for funding under the program.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, said local councils are well positioned to get projects under way quickly as part of national efforts to boost jobs and support communities.

“This week we have got money out the door to the first of more than 40 projects to begin under our $500 million Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program,” McCormack said.

“Projects being supported include the sealing of more than five kilometres of Glen Davis Road by Lithgow Council in New South Wales and the installation of accommodation units at Mortlake Caravan Park by Moyne Shire Council in Victoria.”

Minister for Local Government, Mark Coulton, reminded councils to submit work schedules to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.

“I call on all local councils to get the ball rolling on seeking support for their priority road and local community funding initiatives,” Coulton said.

“These projects will play an important role in improving local infrastructure, creating local jobs and supporting the nation’s post-COVID recovery.”

He says beyond roads, the initiative will fund footpaths, sport field lighting, tennis court sealing, improving green spaces, carparks, wi-fi networks and more.

“Local Governments across the country are the perfect partners to deliver this economic stimulus as they work directly with their communities to deliver outcomes for their communities.”

The LRCI programme is part of a suite of investments being made by the Federal Government in Local Governments and is in addition to the $1.3 billion in untied funding from 2020–21 Financial Assistance Grant Program, which was pre-paid in June.

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