The Australian Government is investing $3,629,776 in priority road and infrastructure projects in the Moree Plains Shire, supporting local jobs and businesses to help the community 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, projects to be delivered by Moree Plains Shire Council include:

• $1,000,000 for rural roads and drainage replacement and the upgrade of two culverts on Bruxner Highway
• $860,000 for Bank Art Museum Moree to improve access and upgrade climate control
• $1,629,776 for the Moree Civic Precinct Redevelopment of the Memorial Hall
• $100,000 for Nana Brazel Park, Pallamallawa to boost safety for the playground and construction of a learner bike track
• $40,000 for Ashley Sports apparatus for the playground and skate park

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the funding provides the opportunity for Moree Plains Shire Council to complete a number of key projects that will provide lasting benefits.

“With the challenges presented by COVID-19, floods and the drought, the past couple of years have been tough for communities, businesses and local councils,” Mr Coulton said.

“That’s why we have moved quickly to approve funding for five projects in the Moree Plains Shire, paving the way for shovels to hit the dirt to make them a reality.

“This will provide a vital boost for the Moree Plains, backing local jobs and economic growth while delivering significant projects that will benefit residents for years to come.”

Moree Plains Shire Mayor Mark Johnson said the confirmation of these projects is great news for the Moree Plains.

“It will help continue Council’s goal of improving road infrastructure and providing better public facilities and amenities for our community,” Cr Johnson said.

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/.