The Albanese Labor Government continues to boost the liveability of communities across Richmond, with federal funding delivering road and community infrastructure projects across the Tweed and Byron Shires.
Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP, joined Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot MP on Tuesday to inspect the progress of projects and to discuss the region's priorities.
As part of our commitment to improving the safety of local roads in Richmond, local councils will receive an increase in their Roads to Recovery funding over the next five years.
Tweed Shire Council will receive over $15.9 million - a boost of over $6.8 million, and Byron Shire Council will receive over $6.4 million - a boost of over $2.7 million.
This will pave the way for future priority projects and build on projects already delivered and fully funded by the Albanese Government - such as intersection, drainage, and bus stop upgrades at Rifle Range Road at Bangalow, which received $673,076.
The surface of Ducat Street at Tweed Heads is currently being upgraded thanks to over $1.5 million from the Albanese Government, with a further $500,000 in federal funding supporting widening and drainage works on Bayshore Drive at Byron Bay - making these roads safer.
Through Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, Tweed Shire Council is receiving over $2.8 million, and Byron Shire Council is receiving over $1.1 million for high-impact local projects.
The Albanese Government has also committed $618,869 under Round 1 of the Growing Regions Program to construct a Men's Shed, environmental centre, performance stage and commercial kitchen, as well as provide upgrades to existing infrastructure at the Mullum SEED Eco Hub in Mullumbimby - boosting community engagement opportunities in Richmond.
Nationally, the Albanese Government is delivering significant funding increases to support local councils deliver their priority projects.
The Roads to Recovery program is progressively increasing from $500 million to $1 billion per year, the Road Black Spot Program is increasing from $110 million to $150 million per year, and $200 million per year is available under our Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:
"Justine Elliot is a strong advocate for communities in Richmond, which is why it's fantastic to be in town with her to see local projects that she's campaigned for progressing, and to discuss some of the region's future priorities.
"Like my own community, Richmond has been impacted by a number of natural disasters, which is why we're delivering more funding to local councils to improve the safety and flood resilience of local roads, and to support priority projects that will have a lasting impact."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot MP:
"As the Local MP, I'm proud to deliver this important funding for our community. These important funding increases from the Albanese Government have made many local projects a reality right across the North Coast.
"I invited Minister McBain to our region to discuss how we can keep working to deliver projects that create local jobs, improve our area and keep our local economy strong."
Quotes attributable to Tweed Shire Mayor, Chris Cherry:
"We thank the Australian Government for delivering on its commitment to improve our local road network - particularly for roads across the Tweed Shire that have been significantly impacted by flooding events.
"When we work together, we get the best outcomes for our community, which is why we'll continue to partner with the Australian Government to deliver the community infrastructure that locals need and deserve."
Quotes attributable to Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye:
"It's fantastic to welcome Minister McBain to Byron Shire to highlight the significant progress we're making with jointly funded projects, and to discuss our future priorities.
"With the community calling on the Byron Shire Council to provide more services than ever before, we're strengthening our partnership with the Australian Government to ensure that we can continue to deliver the projects locals want to get off the ground."
