Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (right) and Broken Hill Mayor Tom Kennedy inspect the new footpaths in Murton Street, funded under Phase 2 of the LRCI program.
The Coalition Government is continuing to pave the way for footpath upgrades in Broken Hill, providing a further $621,160 for widening works in Blende Street.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said this funding has been made possible under the third phase of the Australian Government’s $2.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program.
“Broken Hill City Council received $310,580 under the first phase of the LRCI program to revamp the footpaths along Blende Street and an additional $666,521 in Phase 2 for the construction of bicycle and walking paths in Patton, Rakow, Uranium, O’Neill and Brooks streets,” Mr Coulton said.
“This Phase 3 funding will be used to continue widening non-compliant footpaths along Blende Street, from Galena Street to Silver Street.
“This will not only improve safety, but will provide a boost to local businesses as a result of increased pedestrian accessibility.
“The construction will also create employment for local contractors which is especially important as we continue our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“That’s why we have moved quickly to approve this funding, paving the way for shovels to hit the dirt to make this project a reality.
“This is exactly the type of work the Federal Government is proud to support – creating local job opportunities, while delivering lasting benefits.”
Broken Hill City Mayor Tom Kennedy welcomed this funding.
“I wish to sincerely thank Mark and the Federal Government for their ongoing commitment to improved infrastructure in our city,” Cr Kennedy said.
“The recent roll out of new and upgraded footpaths around Broken Hill as part of the LRCI Program has been very well received by the community.
“These upgrades align with Council’s goal of increasing liveability and accessibility in key areas across our city.”
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/.
