Councils in the Parkes electorate will be supported with more than $21 million in new funding, as part of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s $1.8 billion boost for road and community projects through local governments across Australia.
The investment will support local jobs and businesses, and boost local economies struggling with the effects of COVID-19.
Federal Member for Parkes and Minister for Local Government Mark Coulton said the package included the establishment of a new $500 million Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program, and the bringing forward of $1.3 billion of the 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant payment.
The new Program is based on the successful Roads to Recovery program and will enable local councils to deliver priority projects with a focus on upgrades and maintenance to local roads and community infrastructure.
Mr Coulton said accelerating local infrastructure projects was important for supporting jobs and the local economy in the Parkes electorate.
“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local communities, now and as we navigate out of the coronavirus pandemic,” Mr Coulton said.
“Not only will this package support jobs, construction businesses and the economy across the region, it will improve our local roads, and provide for new and upgraded amenities to help communities stay connected.
“I will be working alongside all Parkes electorate councils to make sure projects get underway to support jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”
Local road projects to be delivered under the Program include, but are not limited to, constructing or improving bridges and tunnels, street lighting, and heavy vehicle facilities such as rest areas.
A broad range of community infrastructure projects will be eligible including new or upgraded bicycle and walking paths, community facilities, and picnic shelters and barbeque facilities at parks.
Mr Coulton said that under the Financial Assistance Grant program, more than $55 million in payments had been made to councils in the Parkes electorate this financial year. This pre-payment is part of the $1.3 billion being brought forward from next year’s Financial Assistance Grants to ensure there is untied funding available for local councils as a block payment now, rather than being spread over the next 12 months.
Guidelines for the Program will be provided directly to local governments by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.
Allocations under the Local Road and Community Infrastructure programs can be found at https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment
For more information about Financial Assistance Grant allocations in New South Wales visit www.regional.gov.au/local/assistance/fags-state-summaries-nsw-2019-20.aspx
Parkes electorate LGAs – Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program
| LGA | Funding Allocation |
| Bogan Shire Council | $911,524 |
| Bourke Shire Council | $1,199,903 |
| Brewarrina Shire Council | $820,558 |
| Broken Hill City Council | $310,580 |
| Central Darling Shire Council | $1,001,818 |
| Cobar Shire Council | $1,085,211 |
| Coonamble Shire Council | $929,818 |
| Dubbo Regional Council | $2,146,498 |
| Gilgandra Shire Council | $878,444 |
| Gunnedah Shire Council | $1,007,220 |
| Gwydir Shire Council | $1,182,224 |
| Lachlan Shire Council | $2,128,508 |
| Moree Plains Shire Council | $1,814,888 |
| Narrabri Shire Council | $1,475,176 |
| Narromine Shire Council | $909,690 |
| Walgett Shire Council | $1,235,615 |
| Warren Shire Council | $655,258 |
| Warrumbungle Shire Council | $1,553,366 |
