Local councils in the Parkes electorate are set to receive a significant funding boost for road infrastructure, with the continuation of the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery Program.
Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has welcomed the funding, which will help all 18 local councils, and the Unincorporated Area, deliver road improvements needed to support their local economy.
“More than $88 million will be distributed in my electorate over the 2019-20 to 2023-24 period,” Mr Coulton said.
“This is a hugely beneficial investment that provides councils with the ability to upgrade local roads, making them safer and more efficient for all users.
“The Roads to Recovery program will continue to run under simple administrative arrangements, with councils free to decide the projects to be funded.
“The Coalition Government has demonstrated its commitment to continuing this important partnership by recently ensuring that no new legislation will be required to extend the program in the future.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Program will provide $2 billion to local government bodies across Australia.
“The Coalition Government is investing $400 million each and every year following an extension of the Program in the 2016 Budget to deliver a further $50 million per annum from 2019−20 onwards,” Mr McCormack said.
“This means that the majority of councils will receive more Roads to Recovery funding in the 2019-20 to 2023-24 program than their base allocation in 2014-15.”
The Roads to Recovery Program involves close collaboration between the Australian and local governments. Through the Program, the Government supports councils with the ongoing maintenance of local road infrastructure, facilitating greater access and improved safety, economic and social outcomes.
Allocations for each electorate are calculated using the proportion of Financial Assistance Grants that each local governing body receives, and updated assessments undertaken by local government grants commissions.
