$7.1 million boost for local councils in southeast Melbourne
Councils in Southeast Melbourne will be supported as part of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s $1.8 billion boost for road and community projects through local governments across Australia.
The investment will support local jobs and businesses and boost local economies struggling under the effects of COVID-19.
Senator for Victoria, David Van, said the package included the establishment of a new $500 million Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and the bringing forward of $1.3 billion of the 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant payment.
The new Program is based on the successful Roads to Recovery program and will enable local councils to deliver priority projects with a focus on upgrades and maintenance to local roads and community infrastructure.
Senator Van said accelerating local infrastructure projects was important for supporting jobs and the local economy in Southeast Melbourne
“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local communities, now and as we navigate out of the coronavirus pandemic,” Senator Van said.
“Not only will this package support jobs, construction businesses and the economy across Southeast Melbourne, it will improve our local roads and provide for new and upgraded amenities to help communities stay connected.
“I will be working closely with Frankston City Council, Kingston City Council, the Monash City Council, Cardinia Shire Council, City of Greater Dandenong Council and Casey City Council to make sure projects get underway to support jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”
Local road projects to be delivered under the Program include but are not limited to 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 have been made to councils in Southeast Melbourne this financial year:
Glen Eira City Council $423,694.00
Frankston City Council $743,911.00
City of Monash $806,518.00
City of Kingston $817,982.00
City of Greater Dandenong $1,017,807.00
Casey City Council $1,633,695.00
Cardinia Shire Council $1,691,139.00
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 programs can be found at https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/lrci.
