Significant funding commitments in the 2022-23 Budget will drive the growth of regional communities including in the Corangamite, Corio, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gorton electorates creating jobs and driving our economic growth into the future.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said through the 2022-23 Budget, the Coalition Government is continuing to build strong and resilient communities across regional Victoria.
“One of the highlights of the Morrison Government’s Budget is the very major support for the regions, delivering the projects and infrastructure that make regional towns and cities better places to live, work and visit,” Senator Henderson said.
“Our continued investment in the regions is what sets us apart from the Labor Party, who don’t believe in regional Australia and don’t stand behind the people who live outside of capital cities.
“Programs like the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and the Stronger Communities Programme make a significant difference in our region.
“As at 17 March 2022, councils have nominated nearly 7900 projects using over $2 billion funding, including exhausting over 99 per cent of available funding under Phases 1 and 2.
“The Coalition believes in regional Australia, which is why we are continuing to fund the services and creating the opportunities that people in capital cities take for granted.
“Our investments will also create local jobs and new economic opportunities for locals, lifting their standard of living and enabling them to pursue their dreams.”
“This year’s Budget includes significant new funding for existing programs that drive the growth and success of regional towns and communities.
“We are investing an additional $500 million in the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program, a major boost to communities across the country.
“This funding will support more community infrastructure projects, boosting local jobs and driving the economic growth to make our nation as strong as possible as quickly as possible.
“Our additional funding brings the total Commonwealth Government commitment to the LRCI Program to $3 billion.
A further $22.7 million has been committed for an additional round of the Stronger Communities Programme (SCP), delivering more funding for small capital projects in federal electorates.
Projects funded under the SCP aim to improve local community participation and contribute to vibrant viable communities.
This latest funding injection takes the Government’s total investment under the SCP to $167.8 million.
30 March 2022