The Mornington Peninsula Shire will be provided with more than $4.8 million 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.
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, 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.
Mr Hunt said accelerating local infrastructure projects was important for supporting jobs and the local economy on the Mornington Peninsula.
“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local communities, now and as we continue to navigate out of the coronavirus pandemic,” Mr Hunt said.
“Not only will this package support jobs, construction businesses and the economy across the Peninsula, it will improve our local roads and provide for new and upgraded amenities to help communities stay connected.
“I will be working closely with the Shire to make sure projects get under way to support jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Sam Hearn said council welcomed this timely injection of funds for road and community projects.
“Given the economic impacts of Covid-19, we are keen to get moving with a number of shovel ready projects to kick-start the local economy and support local employment,” Mayor Hearn said.
“This financial boost of $1.6 million alongside the early $3.2 million payment of the annual Federal grant we receive will allow us to expedite a number of these important community projects”.
“I’d like to thank Minister Hunt and look forward to exploring further opportunities to work with the Federal Government to bring a number of other local projects to fruition.”
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.
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.
FUNDING BREAKDOWN
PROGRAM | FUNDING ALLOCATED |
Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program | $1,609,639 |
Financial Assistance Grant | $3,232,188 |