All 18 local councils in the Parkes electorate along with the Unincorporated Far West have received extra Federal Government funding of more than $22 million to develop safer roads, under the Roads to Recovery (R2R) program.
The funding is part of the additional $138.9 million under the program which has been allocated to eligible council areas impacted by drought, and forms part of the Coalition Government’s recently announced drought response package.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the extra funding for local government areas aims to stimulate local economic activity and support jobs as the drought continues.
“The extra R2R funding doubles the allocation already made to councils for the 2019-2020 financial year, and will be made available from January 2020,” Mr Coulton said.
“R2R funding allows councils in my electorate to progress a number of high-priority projects, using local knowledge to deliver the best local roads.
“Local roads maintenance is critical to ensuring we have safer and better-maintained roads. This couldn’t be more necessary as we head into the holiday period, when we’ll have more drivers on the road, more often.
“I’m very pleased that this Government continues to deliver support to all 18 councils in my electorate, and the Unincorporated Far West, under the Drought Communities Programme (DCP).
“Another $1 million each is available to councils in my electorate under the DCP (announced in November), with applications for funding open right now.
“I’ve seen the results being delivered in rural and regional communities through programs such as the DCP and R2R, and this extra money will mean councils can keep investing in projects that will boost local jobs and business.”
Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Andrew Gee said the drought has devastated country communities.
“This extra roads funding is designed to stimulate local economic activity and improve local infrastructure by making our roads better and safer for country people. I’m looking forward to seeing some really worthwhile projects being put forward by the local councils,” Mr Gee said.
“Improving roads is an issue very close to the hearts of country people, and this additional funding will make a real difference to the council area and be a very welcome and timely boost.”
Councils choose the road projects on which to spend their R2R funding.
From 2013-14 to 2023-24, the Government will provide $6.2 billion under the R2R Program, with an ongoing commitment of $500 million each year following.
