The Liberal and Nationals Government is investing almost $850,000 in priority projects across New England supporting local jobs, businesses and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Made possible under the third phase of the Australian Government's $2.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, projects to be delivered by Tamworth Regional Council and Gwydir Shire Council include:
- $44,051 for Peel Street Footpath to improve accessibility to community facilities and the bicycle and walking paths.
- $25,000 for the Kamilaroi Walking Track upgrade to improve picnic shelters and BBQ facilities along the site.
- $490,000 for the construction of amenities at the Bingara Riverside Caravan Park.
- $110,000 to upgrade amenities at the Upper Horton Sports Club.
- $180,000 for the Bingara Footpath Program, to install a 2m wide footpath at Cunningham St to Junction St.
Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said the funding reflects the Gwydir Shire Council's top priorities and will ensure the needs of our local communities are met.
"With the challenges presented by COVID-19, bushfires, floods and other events, the past couple of years have been tough for communities, businesses and local councils," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"That's why we have moved quickly to approve funding for five projects across New England, paving the way for shovels to hit the dirt to make them a reality.
"This will provide a vital boost for our local communities, backing local jobs and economic growth while delivering lasting upgrades that will benefit residents for years to come."
Mr Joyce who is also Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, 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," he 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."
