The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government has approved funding for 100 projects. This is part of its $1.5 billion Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program, which is supporting local jobs, businesses and boosting the economy during COVID-19.

Federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster said getting shovels in the ground on local construction projects was important for grow jobs and the economy in Mallee.

“Every single job we support has a flow on in our local community, as we build our way out of the pandemic,” Dr Webster said.

“That is why we have moved quickly to approve funding to for 100 projects in Mallee.

The projects include:

– Drainage installation in Charlton

– Townhall improvements across Central Goldfields shire

– Streetscape improvements in Kerang

– Repairs to footpaths and bike tracks in Horsham

– Constructing footpaths and sealing roads throughout Loddon Shire

– Removing of drift sand and rehabilitation of roads throughout the Millewa.

– Upgrades of footpaths, playgrounds and carparks in St Arnaud

– Upgrades to the Landsborough swimming pool

– New changerooms at the Riverside Park netball courts in Robinvale

– Re-sheeting and repair of multiple roads across West Wimmera Shire

“Not only will this new program support jobs, construction businesses and economic growth across Mallee, it will also improve road safety and bolster the resilience of our local road networks, helping Australians get home sooner and safer.

“I will work closely with our local councils in Mallee to ensure local projects get underway and supporting jobs and businesses as soon as possible” Dr Webster said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the projects funded under the Program will improve the quality of life of Australians and have lasting economic and social benefits for local communities.

“Our funding boost will help communities across Australia accelerate priority projects to get people into jobs and stimulate our economy,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“We know how important our support is to communities who have faced the combined effects of drought, bushfires and now COVID-19, which is why we are backing projects to create employment and business opportunities while cutting travel times, as well as making our roads and communities safer.

“Having only announced the program in late May, we are moving decisively to deliver the support councils and communities need to get through this pandemic and get back on their feet.”

• In May 2020, the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government also pre-paid $1.3 billion of this year’s Financial Assistance Grant to provide untied funding for all local councils across Australia to spend on local priorities.
• More information on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is available at infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program