THE HON. GREG HUNT MP
Federal Member for Flinders
Minister for Health and Aged Care
THE HON. BARNABY JOYCE MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
THE HON. KEVIN HOGAN MP
Assistant to the Deputy Prime Minister
Assistant Minister for Local Government
Federal Member for Page
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
23rd February 2022
The Morrison Government is investing over $3.2 million in priority projects across the Mornington Peninsula, supporting local jobs, businesses, and the resilience of our local economy to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Made possible under the third phase of the Australian Government’s $2.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, two federally funded projects to be delivered by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council include:
Project Name | Project Funding (Round 3) | Total Federal Funding |
Flinders Civic Hall Redevelopment | $1,219,278 | $1,219,278 |
Somerville to Baxter Shared Path | $2,000,000 | $4,000,000 |
Federal Member for Flinders the Hon. Greg Hunt MP said the funding is on the table for the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to get shovels in the ground on two important projects for local communities.
“Between COVID-19 and severe storms, the last couple of years have been difficult for communities and businesses across the Mornington Peninsula.” Minister Hunt said.
“That’s why getting these projects funded – particularly the Somerville to Baxter Bike Path – is so important, to encourage more tourism to the Peninsula.”
“I look forward to seeing the Shire Council getting shovels in the ground on these projects, so we can get on with providing locals jobs and delivering projects the community has been waiting for.”
Mayor of the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Cr Anthony Marsh said that the Shire Council was excited and grateful to hear the results of phase three of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
“Two great projects are benefitting from this round; Flinders Civic Hall, which will deliver a fit-for-purpose and multi-use community space for education, gatherings and events; and Somerville to Baxter Shared Path, which will provide an all-access shared-use path connecting Somerville to the Frankston-Baxter Trail and to the Peninsula Link trail.” Cr Marsh said.
“The Somerville Path project has also previously received an additional $2M commitment through another funding program and this demonstrates the dedication from our local Minister in supporting this region’s growth.”
“Both projects will deliver significant community benefits and are now part of over $10M worth of funding received from the Australian Government through this highly-valued program.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said $1 billion in funding is flowing under the third phase of the LRCI program to local councils across Australia to improve their local road networks and deliver priority community infrastructure projects.
“This builds on the $1.5 billion already approved to deliver more than 6,100 projects nationwide under the first two phases of the program,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This program is having a significant impact across the country, with more than 2,000 projects already complete or under construction – delivering upgrades to local roads, bike paths, community halls, playgrounds, parks and sports facilities, as well as improved accessibility to public facilities.
“Phase 3 will build on this, delivering more jobs, more economic stimulus, and more of the local priority projects that communities need and deserve.”
Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said the program forms part of the Liberal and Nationals unwavering commitment to back local councils and their communities through COVID-19 and secure a stronger future out the other side of the pandemic.
“We want to deliver the best outcomes for locals under this program, which is why we have listened and acted on council feedback, providing a longer delivery window for local governments to pursue larger, more complex projects that may be a higher priority and have a bigger impact on the community,” Assistant Minister Hogan said.
“We also get councils to use local businesses and workforces to deliver these projects as much as possible, ensuring this stimulus flows directly into the hands of hard-working Aussies, their families, their businesses and their communities.
“I look forward to seeing more projects get underway and supporting jobs and communities at this critical time.”
For more information on the $2.5 billion LRCI program, including the allocations for the $1 billion third phase, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/local-roads-and-community-infrastructure/.
Media contact:
Deputy Prime Minister – Antony Perry | 0477 971 654 | Antony.Perry@infrastructure.gov.au
Assistant Minister Hogan – Mark Highfield| 0410 825 558 | Mark.Highfield@aph.gov.au
Minister Hunt – Callum Carter | 0447 696 500 | callum.carter@aph.gov.au
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