Councils in the Parkes electorate are set to share in more than $42 million in another round of the highly successful Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, announced in Tuesday night’s Federal Budget.
Federal Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton said an additional $1 billion investment in the LRCI program is a vote of confidence in the partnership between the Federal Government and local governments.
“A third phase of the LRCI program is a fantastic Budget injection for our hard-working local councils and means they will be able to continue planning and delivering priority local road and infrastructure projects such as upgrades to bike paths, community halls, playgrounds, parks and sports facilities, as well as improved accessibility to public facilities,” Minister Coulton said.
“With a total of $39,816,776 allocated to the 18 councils in the Parkes electorate in phase 1 and 2 of the program I am proud to announce a further $42,492,598 will ensure the delivery of projects and the creation of jobs will continue.
“Providing more time for planning and construction will enable local governments to consider a broader range of priority projects and potentially undertake larger, more complex developments to deliver even great benefits for their communities.
“The LRCI program has proven to be a huge success for our regions, councils and communities and mayors across the electorate have appreciated the cash injections and continue to highlight the positive results.”
Warren Mayor Milton Quigley said another round of the LRCI program is a really significant investment in the shire and will help enormously to continue council’s infrastructure and road program.
“Support like this from the Federal Government is worth so much to Warren Shire Council,” Mr Quigley said.
Narrabri Mayor Ron Campbell said his shire has already benefitted significantly from the first two phases of funding and looks forward to delivering even more projects for the region.
“Once again, the Federal Government has shown a commitment to Narrabri Shire Council that will help our shire to grow and develop and build infrastructure that in turn will attract more people to live in our region,” Mr Campbell said.
Lachlan Mayor John Medcalf said council is thankful for the Federal Government’s continuation of this great project.
“The LRCI program has been instrumental in delivering projects that council would otherwise be unable to pursue,” Mr Medcalf said.
“The upgrades to facilities across the shire not only provides jobs but makes the region a better place to live.”
Local councils will also benefit from a prepayment of the 2021-22 Financial Assistance Grant funding, and an extension of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).
“I’m pleased to see the Government has brought forward approximately 50 per cent of the 2021–22 Financial Assistance Grant funding,” Minister Coulton said.
“This cash injection of more than $1.3 billion will give councils vital support to assist with the combined impacts of drought, bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s also fantastic to see a record $250 million is being invested in the popular Building Better Regions Fund, which has already supported projects such as the $6.8 million oval redevelopment in Cobar and $1.47 million for a community hub in Gilgandra.”
Parkes Electorate Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program Phase 3 allocations:
- Bogan Shire Council – $1,823,048
- Bourke Shire Council – $2,399,806
- Brewarrina Shire Council – $1,641,116
- Broken Hill City Council – $621,160
- Central Darling Shire Council – $2,003,636
- Cobar Shire Council – $2,170,422
- Coonamble Shire Council – $1,859,636
- Dubbo Regional Council – $4,292,996
- Gilgandra Shire Council – $1,756,888
- Gunnedah Shire Council – $2,014,400
- Gwydir Shire Council – $2,364,448
- Lachlan Shire Council – $4,257,016
- Moree Plains Shire Council – $3,629,776
- Narrabri Shire Council – $2,950,352
- Narromine Shire Council – $1,819,380
- Walgett Shire Council – $2,471,230
- Warren Shire Council – $1,310,516
- Warrumbungle Shire Council – $3,106,732
Councils will be able to access funding through LRCI Phase 3 from 1 January 2022, with Phase 3 projects to be completed by 30 June 2023.
For more information, visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.