Councils in the electorates of Bendigo, Ballarat, Corangamite, Corio and Gorton will receive more than $18 million as part of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
The investment will support local jobs and businesses and boost local economies struggling under the effects of COVID-19.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said a $1.8 billion package was being delivered to local councils, comprising the $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 Henderson said accelerating local infrastructure projects was important for supporting jobs and the local economy in Bendigo, Ballarat, Corangamite, Corio and Gorton.
“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local communities, now and as we navigate out of the coronavirus pandemic,” Senator Henderson said.
“Not only will this package support jobs, construction businesses and the economy across these electorates, it will improve our local roads and provide for new and upgraded amenities to help communities stay connected.
“I will be working closely with local governments in these electorates to make sure projects get under way 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 in the electorates of Ballarat, Bendigo, Corangamite, Corio and Gorton:
Ballarat electorate $3,783,438
- $1,532,905 for Ballarat City Council
- $968,830 for Hepburn Shire Council
- $1,281,703 Moorabool Shire Council
Bendigo electorate: $5,943,600:
- $2,245,916 for Greater Bendigo City Council
- $1,082,212 for Mount Alexander Shire Council
- $1,441,216 for Macedon Ranges Shire Council*
- $1,174,256 for Mitchell Shire Council*
Corangamite & Corio electorates: $6,309,598:
- $38,179 for the Borough of Queenscliffe
- $1,051,060 for Surf Coast Shire
- $1,703,200 for Colac Otway Shire*
- $1,333,655 for Golden Plains Shire*
- $2,183,504 for City of Greater Geelong
Gorton electorate: $2,393,535:
- $1,260,918 for Melton City Council
- $1,132,617 for Brimbank City Council*
Guidelines for the Program will be provided directly to local governments by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.
Allocations can be found at https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/lrci.
*Denotes councils which partly fall into other federal electorates
22 May 2020